November 25th, 2020 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Takes over as Ethical Society of Police president

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis

Police

Sgt. Donnell Walters has watched his cousin, Detective Sgt. Heather Taylor, lead the Ethical Society of Police for more than five-and-a-half years. But now, it’s his turn to take the wheel and steer the association forward as it advocates for racial and gender equality in policing.

“My vision for the Ethical Society is nothing different than what Heather has already established,” he told The St. Louis American. “I just hope to carry on and keep fighting the good fight that she started and that’s really

my ultimate goal.” ESOP was founded in 1972 and is an association of more than 300 police officers, park rangers and civilians that advocates for racial and gender equity in law enforcement.

Taylor’s term as the association’s president ran from February 2015 until October 2020, when she retired from the Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis and ESOP.

Walters works in the department’s Community Engagement and Recruiting Unit. His experience there, he said, lends itself well

First responders don’t hesitate to answer when called

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Firefighters, paramedics and police officers join nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and other health care and essential workers who are continuing their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Yet some of these heroes of the front lines have not gone unscathed.

“As the numbers go up in the community, we’ve seen ours go up as well, particularly after Halloween, we had an uptick in the number of firefighters and paramedics and EMTs affected by COVID-19,” said Capt. Garon Mosby, St. Louis Fire Department spokesman.

“It hasn’t hampered our ability to provide services, although we have seen — as we see an uptick in the numbers, we see an uptick in the amount of overtime that is used to make sure that we’re still responding and that all the companies have remained open.

“After Halloween, our members engaged with the community. We had members who were passing out candy, and that might have been one of the causes for the uptick on our side as well.”

See COVID, A6

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.

‘Timing is everything’

Louis American

A Florissant couple will take their place in Missouri history when they are sworn in for the legislative session that begins Jan. 8, 2021. Rep. Jay Mosley will begin his third term in the House presenting the 68th District, which covers parts of Florissant and Black Jack. His wife, Angela Walton Mosley, will join him in the Capitol Jefferson City, serving in the Senate. Both Mosleys are Democrats in a super-majority Republican legislature. Walton Mosley’s 13th District in the Senate covers the

The Mosleys head to Jefferson City

northernmost communities in north St. Louis County. Historic in its own right, it will be the first time the 13th Senate district in Missouri is represented by a Black person. Serving in politics is part of WaltonMosley’s family tradition. Her father, sister, husband, brother-inlaw and late stepmother have served in the Missouri legislature. However, timing and family obligations were important factors in the couple’s

decisions to represent the community.

“Angela was supposed to run first, actually. She was originally going to run for the House seat and she didn’t want to lose her seniority at work,” Mosely said. That was in 2016.

“So, he decided that he would run, which turned out to work out okay,” Walton Mosely said of her husband.

“Also, the main reason I didn’t want to run was because the kids were still in

school, so, I wanted to wait until they graduated. ... my last child graduated this past May.”

In 2020, it was Jay Mosley who was asked to run for an open Senate seat made available by term limits, but the timing did not work for him.

“He didn’t want to run, and I was like, ‘I’ll do it. I’ll run. I’m ready now,’” Walton Mosley said. “My kids will be all graduated and going off to college.”

While it is somewhat unusual for first-time politicians to run for the Senate, it happens. Barack Obama did it in 2004,

See MOSLEYS, A7

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

With the news that Mayor Lyda Krewson will not seek a second term in the April mayoral election, all eyes are on who will be running to replace her.

Lewis Reed

Candidates on Monday began filing to enter the race to become the next mayor of the city of St. Louis. The primary election will be held March 2. The general election will be held April 6. This election will look different from those in the past because of the passage of Proposition D in the city on Nov 3. Voters should expect primary ballots to be nonpartisan; they will be asked to choose as many candidates as they approve of in each race, regardless of party affiliation.

The two candidates with the most votes will then face off in the general election. Proposition D affects elections for mayor, comptroller, Board of Alderman president and aldermen..

In order to file to run for mayor a person must meet these qualifications: be a citizen of the United States for five years; be a St. Louis resident; be at least 30 years old; be an assessed taxpayer in St. Louis for two years; and have no convictions of malfeasance in office, bribery or other corrupt practice or crime. Candidates must also have a petition signed by 1,170 registered voters in St. Louis, (2% of the votes cast in the 2017 mayoral race), pay a $1,318.20 fee and file a statement of tax clearance.

The last day to file for the 2021 mayoral race is Jan. 4. Board of Elections Democratic Director Benjamin Borgmeyer said the morning was slower than expected when it came to candidates coming in to file for races, but he chalked it up to the new nonpartisan signature requirement, which may slow the process down a bit for candidates.

Following are the candidates who have announced they plan to run for mayor.

Lewis Reed

In a tweet Sunday, Reed said his campaign had gathered 2,000 signatures in less than 48 hours to allow him to file to run for mayor.

“You’ve now given me everything I need to go down tomorrow and file for office to be the next mayor of the city of St. Louis,” he said in a video attached to the tweet. “And I am clear and sure with all of your support and more we are going to get there.”

Reed currently serves as the president of the Board of Aldermen. He is a Democrat who represented the 6th Ward, from 1999 until 2007, which is the year he assumed the presidency. The 6th Ward covers all or parts of several central/south St. Louis neighborhood, including Compton Heights, Lafayette Square, Midtown, Peabody Darst Webbe and Tower Grove East.

Reed ran unsuccessfully for mayor of the city in the primary election in 2017 against several opponents and the votes were drastically divided. Krewson won with 32.04% of the vote, less than two percentage points separating her from Tishaura

St. Louis Fire Captain Wayman Brown watches as EMT LaTaira Fraizer, firefighter Clyde Brooks, firefighter Marcel St. Pierre and Laticha Vaughn, paramedic crew chief, rush a motor vehicle accident victim to a waiting EMS truck after a vehicle collided with a Metro bus at Jefferson and Carr avenues, on Monday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Dana Kelly

Cara Spencer

Tishaura Jones

St. Louis police officer Brandon Johnson (left) talks with Sgt. Donnie Walters, the new president of the Ethical Society of Police president, and officer Tonya Rodman at the intersections of Whitier and Cook Ave. Sgt.

Photo by Wiley Price

Jay and Angela Mosley

Nelly as Chuck Berry

Nelly, the Grammy winning rapper and St. Louis’ homegrown Dancing With the Stars favorite, has another role lined up after the DWTS finals. Nelly, a.k.a. Cornell Haynes, will portray another St. Louis son, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry, in an upcoming Buddy Holly -inspired biopic, “Clear Lake.” Keep your dancing shoes, Nelly, it’s time to trade in the Paso Doble and the Jive for a guitar and the Duckwalk.

‘The Fresh Prince’ and ‘Aunt Viv’ finally make up

was offered a bad contract that she refused to accept. However, being labeled “difficult to work with” because of her feud with Smith crippled her ability to get acting roles, and she “lost everything.”

Prayers up for

Sinbad as he recovers from a stroke

Talking about holding a grudge like it was Social Security number: After 27 years of not speaking to one another, actors Janet Hubert and Will Smith talk it out, apologize and end their feud from when she played the character “Vivian Banks” on “The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air.” It was part of a Nov. 18 Fresh Prince reunion special that aired on HBO Max on Nov. 18. Hubert said she was never fired from the cast; rather, she

The family of 64-year-old comedian and actor David Adkins, known as Sinbad, said he is recover ing from a recent stroke. In a state ment reported by Variety, the family said in part, “Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many genera tions. While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faith ful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon. Our family thanks you in advance for your love and support and ask for continued prayers for his healing.”

Cardi B is Billboard’s Woman of the Year

Having her fourth #1 record on the Billboard Hot 100, being a viral dance video and streaming sensation, and her political activism are reasons why Cardi B is Billboard’s Woman of the Year. In addition to talon-sharp clap backs for haters who thought they had something to say about her worthiness for the honor, the W.A.P. rapper posted on Instagram, “Thank you Billboard! Now I can bring up the stats but that will take me all day … B**** broke records! Thank you BARDIGANG without y’all encouraging while the world … was against me and criticizing every move I wouldn’t have gotten here everyday and use my voice for a change.” She and other female phenoms of the industry will be honored at the Billboard Women in Music event on Dec. 10.

Bobby

Brown Jr. dies at age 28

Tragedy again strikes the family of singer Bobby Brown as his son, 28-yearold Bobby Brown Jr was found dead on Nov. 18 at his home in the Los Angeles area. TMZ says

the family said he was not feeling well in days leading up to his death, and he did not have COVID. Police told TMZ no drugs were found at the scene, they would conduct a toxicology test, and there were no signs of foul play. His father said, “Please keep my family in your prayers at this time. Losing my son at this point in our lives has devastated my family. There are no words to explain the pain.” In 2015, Brown’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown died at age 22 of pneumonia, after being in a coma six months following a drug overdose.

Michael B. Jordan is People’s 2020 Sexiest Man Alive

Actor Michael B. Jordan was selected as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2020. The 33-year-old, who starred in “Just Mercy,” “Black Panther” and “Creed” first appeared on People’s radar in 2013 when he was featured in its first-ever “Ones to Watch.” Jordan is an excellent selection. However, my pandemic pick, since N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is taking the Emmy, is none other than Dr. Anthony Fauci!

Sources: Billboard, Buzzfeed, E!, Hollywood Life, Instagram, People, Prix Productions, TMZ, Variety

Sinbad

Janet Hubert

Days hires Chappelle-Nadal as executive assistant

By Dana Rieck of The St. Louis American

St. Louis County

Councilwoman Rita Heard

Days has tapped Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a Democratic state representative from University City, to be her executive assistant.

This comes as ChappelleNadal exits her role as a state representative for the 86th District, which covers parts of north St. Louis County, roughly bounded by I-170, St. Charles Rock Road, North Skinker Parkway and Delmar Boulevard.

Chappelle-Nadal can no longer serve as a state legislator due to mandated term limits.

“I knew that I wanted to continue in public service and I just didn’t know how I was going to it,” she said in an

interview. Before her most recent term, Chappelle-Nadal served in the 72nd House District from 2005 to 2011. She was then elected to the Missouri State Senate, succeeding Days in 2010. She served for two terms, totalling eight years.

Chappelle-Nadal replaces Courtney Curtis, who began working as Days’ executive assistant in September 2019. Curtis is a former state rep who pleaded guilty to federal crimes that include spending more than $40,000 of citizens’ money donated for the purposes of a 2016 campaign on things like hotel rooms and rent bills.

Days represents the county’s District 1, which includes the northern part of University City, north to Hazelwood and east to Moline Acres and Jennings.

Former New

The councilwoman said she and Chappelle worked together for a number of years and she has come to appreci-

York

Mayor Dinkins dies

unrest as well as the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Former New York Mayor David Dinkins died. He was 93. He was the first, and still the only, Black mayor, of New York City. His wife of 67 years, Joyce Dinkins, died six weeks ago. Dinkins was mayor during a turbulent time in New York City history that saw the trial of the Central Park Five, racial

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1927, Dinkins served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He graduated from Howard University in 1950 with a degree in mathematics and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1956.

Dinkins was elected to the New York State Assembly, served as president of the New York City Board of Elections, and was elected Manhattan Borough resident. In a tweet, mayoral candidate Maya Wiley reflected of Dinkins’ legacy.

“This is a big loss! In the end we will celebrate a full life of history-making and heart. For now we just cry.”

ate her work. So when Days found out she would be done with her time in the legislature in December, she knew she

wanted her to come on board as her executive assistant.

“She is a very smart, dedicated and committed public servant,” Days said. “...I have admired her tenacity of getting to the bottom of issues. And so I’m just absolutely ecstatic that we’re going to be working together.”

“[Days] came to me and requested that I work for her,”

Chappelle-Nadal told The St. Louis American. “And I was truly humbled by that because she’s an extraordinary woman and I just want to be of service to her — but I was also really excited about serving the people I’ve represented for the last 16 years in the legislature.”

About a week into her new role, Chappelle-Nadal says she’s been taking time to listen to the people in District 1.

“I am doing a lot of listen-

ing, because there are people who are calling the office and they’re expressing their concerns and their challenges. And so it is my obligation and our duty as an office to be responsive to the needs of residents here in the first district.”

Chappelle-Nadal said Days is focusing on a list of issues affecting county residents right now, including CARES Act funding for minority-owned businesses, mental health services and services for senior citizens and disabled residents.

“This is so exciting, I get to continue my service to the same people who I’ve been representing for such a long time,” she said. “And I can’t say more than it’s exciting to have a front row seat and still be of service.”

Rita Heard-Days Maria Chappelle-Nadal New

David Dinkins

Editorial / CommEntary

Giving thanks — and standing strong

The Ga people of Ghana, West Africa, begin a celebration in August that continues as a monthlong thanksgiving known as Ga Homowo — the Harvest Festival. Many ethnic groups in Ghana and all over Africa have similar traditions.

Ceremonies and rituals vary, but the purpose is the same — remembering lean times, being thankful for present blessings, and praying for future abundance.

There are no written documents to account for the origin of Homowo. But, according to traditional stories, the Ga people emigrated from the Middle East and descended throughout the Sahara to Benin City in Nigeria. They settled there for a time before relocating to Accra, some time between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Legends say the Ga had only a bit of corn and palm oil when they landed, which women ground and mixed together to make kpokpoi. After the men caught fish, the clan enjoyed their first meal after landing — kpokpoi and fish soup.

widely discussed anymore. The holiday has come to mean turkey and the trimmings, pre-Christmas sales and football. The history of the brutal process used by Europeans to dispossess the original people of their land is not pretty. And now it is almost completely ignored.

In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad had Marlowe define the “conquest of the Earth” as “taking from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves.”

In both sub-Saharan Africa and North America, the native people were mostly cooperative in the early days of European arrival. Nevertheless, conquest and colonization ensued later on both sides of the Atlantic.

The immigrants planted millet and corn seeds they had brought with them. Then, they endured a long, lean waiting period while crops matured. When the harvest came, the Ga held a feast and gave thanks to their gods. The first celebration became the Hom Yi Womo, meaning a “hooting at hunger.”

Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 17th century as a celebration, a friendly coming-together of European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. The Native Americans had welcomed the Pilgrims to this land and shared the vast knowledge they had about the continent’s flora and fauna. They explained planting corn and plowing and taught the newcomers trapping and fishing.

According to tradition, both peoples slaughtered turkeys and made dressing and had a version of cranberry sauce at the first Thanksgiving. They feasted together. During those tough early days for the newcomers, Native Americans extended their hands and opened their hearts. Their hospitality and support helped Europeans survive in an unfamiliar land.

We know of the bitter and bloody relationship that developed when conquest and colonization replaced the spirit of sharing and cooperation. The vicious assault on Native Americans is not

As

Urban League works to insure virus vaccine is safe and equitably distributed

By Marc Morial National Urban League

This week, just as the nation reached the tragic milestone of more than a quarter-million deaths from the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control revealed that Black, Latino, and Native American people are being hospitalized at nearly four times the rate of whites.

Although some of us of African descent in this country now enjoy modest affluence, the overall status of our people must be defined largely in terms of the marginalized and less fortunate.

For those without jobs, without hope or dignity in the troubled neighborhoods of St. Louis or the squalor of Soweto or Port-au-Prince, Thanksgiving can be meaningless and is certainly no holiday. It is mostly a grim reminder of misery and powerlessness.

African Americans should not forget the early occasion that brought this particular holiday into existence in this country. We must dedicate ourselves to remember the “least among us” in a society that has effectively shut out so many of our people. Indeed, we are especially obligated to support policies and initiatives that strengthen family life and enable the poor to share in the nation’s bounty.

That is more true than ever, while there remains an overtly racist, misogynist, hate-mongering U.S. president who frequently stands with white nationalists and white supremacists, not to mention hostile foreign powers, while undermining and abandoning many of this nation’s strongest, most productive and protective alliances.

Let us all give thanks for what blessings we have — and commit ourselves to resisting resurgent white nationalism and white male supremacy and working toward a future of a new presidential administration that will help us move toward greater racial equity, where blessings are more equitably shared.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Is America a failed state?

By Mike Jones

St. Louis American

For The

The title of former President Barack Obama’s memoir is “Promised Land,” and in a recent Atlantic Magazine he explained his reason for the title was he was not willing to give up on the American project. Despite his brilliance, his choice of the title and the Atlantic quote represents an example of hope over experience.

In his review of the former president’s memoir, CNN commentator Fareed Zaharia wrote,”Obama talks about these hysterical reactions to him intelligently but briefly, never offering deep analysis or passionate anger.

“He admits he wasn’t focused on the ominous undercurrents that were growing in strength, writing ‘My team and I were too busy,’ But it might also be that it would take him into deep and dark waters that are so different from the hopeful, optimistic country he so plainly wants to believe in. America remains for him a promised land.”

If America feels broken, that’s because it is broken. It would not be unreasonable for a rational objective observer to conclude that America is what political science calls a failing state, if not a failed state. The first responsibility of any society or its government is the health and safety of the citizens or members of that society. The inability or unwillingness to fulfill this responsibility represents an existential failure.

In January of this year the world became the captive of a novel coronavirus pandemic. The United States with the most advanced economy in the world, the most sophisticated and advanced medical and scientific infrastructure on the planet, should have been able to mitigate and weather a pandemic.

But as of this writing America is averaging nearly 200,000 new daily infections, with more than 8 million people having become infected and more than 250,000 having died. The economic devastation mirrors the human. About 80 years ago, approximately one healthy lifetime, the country would withstand 13 years of economic devastation, the Great Depression; and for four of those years also fight World War II, ultimately prevailing against two formidable adversaries. Less than 25 years after that war, the United States landed a man on the surface of the moon.

Now the United States is a country composed of people who feel put upon if they have to wear a mask in public and maintain social distancing to protect the health and well being of their fellow citizens. What happened? Before there is an economic or political collapse a society invariably experiences a cultural collapse.

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi observed, “Individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

To achieve that individual commitment to a group effort you have to have a culture where all members of the team or society are equally valued, on a championship team everyone gets a ring. They are bound together by the acceptance of role responsibility, trust and accountability. I accept my responsibility as a member of this team, we can trust each

other to do our jobs, and we are accountable to each other for our performance in executing our responsibilities.

This is the foundational culture of all successful organizations, regardless of size, mission or age. Inherited privilege is a parasite that sucks the creativity and vibrancy out of any living organism it attaches too. White male privilege is such a parasite.

The presidency of George Washington established the foundational norms and expectations of the American presidency, and, by and large, American presidents operated inside those normative expectations until now.

With the exception of Barack Obama, all American presidents have been the product of white male privilege. In 1789 white male privilege got you George Washington, in 2016 it got you Donald Trump.

The ancient Greeks used the term “idiot” to mean something formal. They were referring to a person who was only interested in their private life, their personal gain or advantage. This was a person incapable of contributing to the common good, which would ultimately lead to societal collapse and tyranny. For the ancient Greeks there was no one more worthy of contempt than the idiot.

Donald Trump and the people who support and enable him epitomize what the Greeks found so contemptible, and explains why, despite its formidable assets, the United States leads the world in both deaths and rates of infections. The inability to be in solidarity with other human beings.

In politics Aristotle wrote, “Man is by nature a social animal … Society is something that precedes the individual. Anyone who cannot lead the common life … and therefore does not partake of society, is either a beast or a god.”

A day after the CDC’s findings were reported, Stanford University researchers published a study that found more than half of hospital deaths from the virus were Black or Hispanic patients.

Bringing the pandemic under control in the United States starts with controlling it in the worst-hit communities. And that starts with the guidance and expertise of Black health professionals.

For the last several months, a task force formed by the nation’s oldest Black physicians group has been monitoring the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The National Medical Association’s task force of infectious disease and immunization experts has been reviewing data to confirm the strength of scientific evidence and that diversity is represented in clinical trials.

“We’re really doing this to be a source of trusted information for our physicians and our community … in order for us to speak to the safety and allocation within the African American community,” NMA

President Dr. Leon McDougle told CBS News.

The National Urban League

has joined forces in that effort, initiating a first-of-its-kind conversation between Black journalists and a coalition of Black health professionals including NMA, the Black Coalition Against COVID19 have partnered with Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, the National Black Nurses Association and BlackDoctor.org.

On Dec. 10, we will present a town hall meeting on the development and potential distribution of a vaccine.

The National Urban League has repeatedly demanded that any vaccine distribution plan avoid the mistakes that were

n “Until a vaccine is available our best chance of survival is to mask up, and avoid large gatherings.”

— Marc Morial, National Urban League president

made with test distribution in the spring. Rather than rely largely on private physicians and chain pharmacies — largely absent from poor Black neighborhoods — distribution must incorporate communitybased providers like churches and other faith-based organizations, community centers and Urban League affiliates.

The equitable framework for vaccine allocation developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and

Letters to the editor

Rise up, Black women 1619-2020 is a long time to birth an entire thankless and ungrateful nation. We are overwhelmed, overworked, underappreciated, disregarded and magic slingers, underpaid, disrespected but expected to show up, elevate and educate.

#TimesUp

In Genesis 15:13, God said to Abram, “Know this: your descendants will live as outsiders in a land not theirs; they’ll be enslaved and beaten down for 400 years. Then I’ll punish their slave masters; your offspring will march out of there loaded with plunder. But not you; you’ll have a long and full life and die a good and peaceful death. Not until the fourth generation will your descendants return here; sin is still a thriving business among the Amorites.”

Because of Black women, America is what it is and this is our moment to rise up and be seen, heard and intentional.

Marshata Caradine East St. Louis

Stutterers are entitled to speech therapy in schools

About 3 million Americans, or approximately 1 percent of the population, have a stutter, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Stuttering can be tough to handle sometimes, especially around others. Try having to fight through a stutter while friends awkwardly wait for you to finish your sentence — sometimes, it’s downright scary. As a stutterer myself,

Medicine recommends that “special efforts are made to deliver vaccines to residents of high-vulnerability areas.” The first of the framework’s four phases include people with underlying conditions such as cancer, serious heart conditions, or sickle cell disease, that put them at significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease or death. African Americans are disproportionately represented among this group.

As the National Academies noted: Black, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with higher rates of transmission, morbidity, and mortality. This reflects the impact of systemic racism leading to higher rates of comorbidities that increase the severity of COVID-19 infection and the socio-economic factors that increase likelihood of acquiring the infection, such as having frontline jobs, crowded living conditions, lack of access to personal protective equipment, and inability to work from home.

While we are making every effort to plan for an equitable vaccine distribution plan, it’s important to remember that there is no vaccine right now. FDA approval may be imminent, but it hasn’t happened yet. Until a vaccine is available our best chance of survival is to mask up, and avoid large gatherings.

Avoiding large gatherings is a bitter pill to swallow during this holiday time, when we’re missing our friends and family, especially after more than eight weeks of social restrictions. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel, and we’re working to make sure it shines equally on Black America.

I used to feel out-of-place in social situations, anxiously yearning to return to my home. Though I tried to do everything I could to learn more about combatting my stutter, I would always hear the same thing from teachers, family, and friends: to speak slower, or to think about what to say before I spoke. But no matter how slowly I spoke or how much I thought about what to say, I would still stutter. That was until I learned I could get professional help. Although the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 makes

speech therapy a required resource for school districts, I’ve realized that our schools are doing a poor job of making stutterers aware of these resources. It’s imperative that we urge the public school system to do more for stutterers, whether it be mandatory speech impediment screenings for every student or ensuring that students know of their school’s

Kesava Viswanadha Chesterfield

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Guest Columnist Marc Morial

Resist STL protests law firm working with Trump

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

About 15 people gathered Friday for a protest organized by Resist STL in front of True North Law Firm in Clayton to protest the firm’s involvement with President Donald Trump’s effort to “stage a coup.”

Resist STL is a group of activists who say they are prepared to mobilize if Trump continues refusing to concede and attack the legitimate projected results of the 2020 presidential election.

A statement, the organization accused True North Law Firm, which has an office at 112 S. Hanley Road in Clayton, of actively working with Trump and the Republican National Convention to stage a coup by trying to take votes away from Black voters and other minorities.

“Trump’s baseless lawsuits are failing and many of the big firms have already dropped their cases,” Resist STL organizers wrote.. “Yet, True North Law Firm is still trying to stop the will of the voters in court.”

The firm filed a complaint on Nov. 4, the day after the election, on behalf of Trump against Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alleging she violated two clauses in Michigan’s Constitution by not allowing election inspectors from each party to monitor the vote counting process, as well as denying challengers of the vote totals access to videos of the ballot boxes before counting.

People interested in learning more about Resist STL may visit their website at www. resiststlouis.org, visit their Facebook at www.facebook.com/resistSTL or text “RESIST” to 314-270-1310.

Breaking the chains of systemic violence and oppression

By Lisa M. Pettis for The St. Louis American

In a local clinical pastoral education program, I experienced the director as racially insensitive. She talked about how if she were an African American mother and had an African American son, she wouldn’t know how to deal with what was happening today.

Then, she stated how the people who were rioting, looting, and burning things were not going about the issue the “right” way and how they learned to handle conflict from their home environment.

Two of my White colleagues offered input, I believe, based on recent discussions we’d had, in which I cited characteristics of systemic violence and oppression during the past five months in the program. The director refuted them with more racist comments. She talked about how the “wife” of George Floyd encouraged protestors not to loot, saying she modeled a “non-anxious presence.”

give the director time to respond, I agreed and came in on Friday. In her response, the director wrote: “…I realize now that any example drawn from the current racial issues was ill timed and involved topics far too raw to effectively serve as educational examples. For that, and for any insensitivity I may have shown, I truly apologize … while I hear and respect your request that the next two didactics be canceled and replaced, I cannot in good conscience agree to that request as I see that teaching responsibilities are necessary to maintain the integrity of the director position and [organization name] program …”

In her first attempt at moral instruction, I pointed out the slaves in the biblical texts she was using.I finally shared the need to be careful in defining the behavior of those who have been oppressed and referred back to what she considered “model” behavior of Floyd’s “wife,” who was actually his girlfriend, whose name is Courtney Ross.

There were more examples of systemic violence and oppression in this program, but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. fwo days after that Tuesday didactic, I sent a letter to the director, her boss, and the alternate educator.

I wrote: “…I will not subject myself to any more systemic oppression in this organization and if the last two didactics are not canceled and replaced with something else, you can accept this letter as my letter of resignation and my employment with (the organization) will end on Friday, June 19, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.”

Over the course of several days, the director tried to engage with me concerning her personal difficulty and how she realized the director’s effort to teach had gotten off course, but she really wanted us to get the material she was trying to present regarding a “non-anxious presence.”

After the alternate educator asked me to

Unfortunately, this type of program is one of the major requirements for chaplain board certification. For me, it was violent and oppressive to my health and well being as an African American female.

I guess it seemed impossible for an African American female to be secure in who she is and to love and accept her Black heritage and to speak from her own perspective, using Black theology; Black feminist and womanist thought, theology and ethics. Throughout this program, I experienced the many forms of oppression, including manipulation, control and coercion, which I deemed as a violent and oppressive system.

Whenever I mentioned racism, oppression, or slavery, mum’s the word. Ironically, the educator who publicly said she neither identified as Black nor White, on one occasion, blurted out, “I’m Black!” when one of my colleagues expressed an issue of racism due to the educator not hearing two Black females.

I spoke up. I wrote four letters of concern. Among the results: the educator resigned, the second-year program, for which I was the only applicant, was shut down. The instruction continued to exclude voices African American females. I resigned.

How to end systemic violence and oppression?

The first step is to acknowledge it. Not until people in religious academia see how violence and oppression are built into the fabric of America’s systems, will we see an end to Black people being shot down by the system in the streets, education, housing, finances, health care and more.

Lisa M. Pettis, MDiv is a violence epidemiologist and is an advocate for the decolonization of systems and structures in America.

About 15 people gathered Friday for a protest organized by Resist STL in front of True North Law Firm in Clayton to protest the firm’s involvement with President Donald Trump’s effort to “stage a coup.”

Lisa M. Pettis

Photo by Wiley Price

COVID

Continued from A1

Staying focused on safety

Mosby said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson has been communicating throughout the pandemic, using emails and internal videos to all department members, encouraging them and reminding them of necessary precautions.

“This has been going on for several months, and it’s easy … to not be as focused, not to be as on top of things as you were at the beginning, so the chief put out a message… reminding all members to be vigilant, and be cautious, on and off duty, making sure that we socially distance, wear our masks, wash our hands,” Mosby said. “And he also emphasized that we need to be setting the example, as responders.”

The crowded airports and long COVID testing lines seen before Thanksgiving may be mirrored by holidays soon to come, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s celebrations.

However, Mosby said, if you need fire and ambulance services, please call.

“We want people to not delay in calling us if they feel the need,” Mosby said. “We notice that with this pandemic, that people are afraid to call on the ambulance, because they think we are already busy, or that we’re too busy.

“If you need us, please call us. We clean the ambulances after people use it, and so,

you’re coming into an environment that has been cleaned.

If you do call, Mosby said it is helpful, if possible, that someone comes outside (with mask on) to meet the firefighters to give responders an idea of what is taking place inside before they enter.

“It helps us be able to gameplan on what we are coming

into,” Mosby said, “to give us a little bit of what is going on.”

While not speaking about the health status of St. Louis Police Department employees,

Sgt. Keith Barrett said, “All of our facilities, which includes the area stations, are being cleaned/decontaminated regularly.

“Our department also has

ample supply of PPE, which is available to all employees. Lastly, all employees have been advised to the necessary precautions/protocols per the guidelines of the CDC.”

No significant shortages

Sgt. Benjamin Granda of the St. Louis County Police Department said the pandemic has not caused any significant workforce shortages.

“The number of officers seen out, we may see regularly through sick days, maternity leave, or military leave. We are fortunate because we have the numbers and experience to be agile and shift resources where they need to be,” Granda told The American.

“Additionally, many of our members have recovered and returned to duty in quick

fashion. The dedication of our officers is exceptional.”

In a media release this week, the department reported that 12 members of the St. Louis County Police Department tested positive for COVID-19 over the past eight days.

“This includes commissioned officers in the Division of Patrol (across six different precincts), the Division of Special Operations, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Office of the Chief of Police, and a professional staff member in the Division of Human Resources,” Granda stated.

“It is unknown how nine contracted it. It is believed that two individuals got it in the course of their duties and one individual contracted it from a family member.”

He said potentially affected

Medical workers with Betty Jean Kerr’s People’s Clinic give free flu vaccines and coronavirus tests on both sides of a family’s vehicle, Sat. Nov. 21, 2020.

work areas and vehicles have been thoroughly cleaned.

“There have been a total of 78 positive test results since the global pandemic first directly impacted the personnel of the department on March 28, 2020. Sixty-one of the 78 have already recovered and returned to duty.”

Granda said the public should try to stay safe and healthy, but if needed, the St. Louis County Police Department stands ready to serve and protect.

“They should not hesitate to continue to contact 911 for emergency services. We are here 24/7/365,” Granda said.

“Since March 2020, the members of our department have responded/initiated approximately 360,114 calls for service. No calls have gone unanswered and no calls will.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Mosleys

Continued from A1

and we know how well that worked out. And it has happened in Missouri.

“Brian Williams did it two years prior, so I wasn’t afraid of doing it,” Walton Mosley said. “He also ran against two state reps — one was a former state rep, and one was a current. So, I felt like if he did it, I can do it too,” Walton Mosley said.

History in the making

She said it did not occur to her, initially, that her win in the state Senate could be historic, Jay Mosley said he thought about it, but did not say anything to his wife.

“I won’t lie. As we were canvassing, getting close to the election, it did cross my mind, but I didn’t know any of the history as far as married couples or even family members that served together.”

“I didn’t think about it until after the primary election,” Walton Mosley said. “[Former Sen. Shalonn] “Kiki” Curls, she brought it up to me, ‘Y’all will be the first couple.’ Oh, really?”

Now aligned in life and legislation, don’t expect to see these lawmakers to spar on different issues.

“We pretty much agree on the same things. I don’t see us having a conflict on any bill,” Walton Mosely said. Mosley concurred. “We won’t be butting each other’s heads,” he said.

“And some of the bills he filed in the past, I’ll be filing them on the Senate side,” she said.

One of those is a lottery bill, that would allow winners to keep their newfound fortune on the low-low.

“The lottery bill was going to grant anonymity to lottery winners in the state. It would prevent the Lottery Commission from posting information about the winners, which I felt could be a dangerous thing,” he said.

“Unless the winner chooses to publicize,” she added. The bill has made it

Walters

Continued from A1

to leading society because its recruitment plan is all about getting out in the community and being visible.

“I am in a position where I can honestly take 20 to 30 minutes to talk to a citizen about just any and everything,” he said. “And I know my cohorts are busy going from call to call, so they don’t always have that opportunity to have a 30-minute conversation with a citizen because of this thing that’s going on in the city. So since I’m in this position, I take that opportunity and being

Candidates

Continued from A1 third with 18.3% and Antonio French garnered 15.84% of the vote. The other candidates received less than 3% of the vote each.

Dana Kelly

Kelly announced Monday she would file to enter the race to become mayor, however she is quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia..

In a release Monday Kelly

out of committee twice, but it has yet to reach the floor.

“So maybe with my better half being in the Senate, we might be able to push it through a little faster,” Mosley said.

Changing school board elections

Walton Mosley has a few bills she plans to submit. One in particular concerns how board members are elected in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

“To change how we elect members of the school board. Because currently, we are on what they call the cumulative system,” she said. “Trying to change it where they run by districts.”

She is also researching a police reform bill that a senator asked her to support.

Additionally, Walton Mosley wants to find productive solutions for voters who want to reduce crime.

“When walking the district, when we were canvassing and also on my posts, asking people what they wanted to see, they all said something about crimes,”

Walton Mosley said. “I’m trying to figure out what we can do to help prevent crime.

“Certainly, we have to do more funding in education and more affordable housing, mental health care. So those things do help with the crime, so we have to come up with some more preventive ways of stopping crime.”

For Democratic lawmakers and Black lawmakers in Jefferson City, Mosley said it’s important for everyone to do their part and work with super-majority colleagues to pass laws that benefit everyone.

“A lot of us have good rapport with the Republican side, so I believe in utilizing those relationships and just making the right move at the right time,” he said.

For the Mosleys, their focus is aligned and straightforward.

“I just hope that we remain humble and remember why we are in these positions and that we are there to help the community, particularly, our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. So that’s our main focus, I believe. Mine,” she said.

He agreed. “I’m the same.”

in the community, engaging and recruiting, it just allows me that opportunity to do it.”

He also wants to spread awareness and acceptance of mental health issues among first responders and the residents.

“I think as far as the mental health aspect in law enforcement, it’s just, for the most part, admitting that it exists among law enforcement,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing. You know, there are officers who struggle on a day-to-day basis. When we look at the national statistics and suicides among law enforcement, that’s not coincidental. That means something is mentally going on with the stresses of the job. A

said she has collected the required signatures and had planned to file Monday morning.

“However, out of an abundance of caution regarding my own health and not wanting to put others at risk, I will stay in quarantine as suggested by medical personnel and file immediately once it’s safe to do so,” Kelly wrote. “The field is starting to take shape and l look forward to having a conversation with the citizens of our city.” Kelly has not held public office. She is a financial consultant and in 2018 she unsuccessfully ran against Mavis T.

lot of times the public forgets that we see the worst of the worst.”

Walters was very clear to note that mental health issues should not justify inappropriate behavior on behalf of officers.

Along that line, Walters says he’s not in support of the new and widely debated slogan of defunding the police that has gained popularity this year in the wake of recent police-involved deaths of Black people.

“That is not a term that our citizens came up with,” he said. “I believe that is a term that was embedded into our citizens because defunding the police, I believe that

Thompson for the St. Louis License Collector’s Office.

Cara Spencer

Alderwoman Spencer also announced Monday she would run for mayor, noting that she met the petition requirements thanks to volunteers who collected signatures on her behalf.

Spencer represents the 20th Ward, roughly bounded by Cherokee Street to Broadway, down south on I-55 to Meramec Street and over to South Grand Boulevard. She was elected in 2015. Her term ends in 2023.

“I am the candidate with a

a lot of departments across the country, they’re under some sort of city control. They don’t see all the funds that are allotted for their agency.”

What is “defunding the police?”

He added he’s never really understood what the phrase meant exactly.

“What exactly is defunding the police? When you speak about defunding the police, you’re thinking, ‘Hey, you’re going to take money away from them?’ Wait a minute; we’ve got 100 plus empty slots that we need police officers in. So, defunding the police I think is just a term where a lot of our community and our citizens do not understand exactly what

track record of going the extra mile, digging in deep, answering to no one but the people of St. Louis,” she said.

Spencer said her ward mirrors the city because it includes assets like the Cherokee Street district, several city parks and the Mississippi River.

Spencer is executive director of the Consumers Council of Missouri.

that means. If anything, defunding the police, it’s not something that should be done.”

Walters, instead, is an advocate for more practical training in areas such as racial discrimination, implicit bias and de-escalation.

As far as advocating for racial and gender equity in law enforcement, Walters has his own vision for how that should happen. He said he is inspired by words from Cathy “Mama Cat” Daniels, who told Walters to build his own metaphorical table, instead of trying to get a seat at someone else’s. Daniels became an instantly recognizable source of comfort for

Tishaura Jones

Jones announced her intent to run as mayor on Nov. 4, one day after she was reelected to serve as St. Louis treasurer.

“We can do better, I know this because, despite our problems, St. Louis is steeped in potential and ripe with opportunity,” she said then. Jones received her first endorsement Friday from the

protesters during the months of unrest that ensued in response to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown Jr. in 2014 by a Ferguson police officer.

“That stuck in my head, so at first I wanted to get a seat at the table,” he said. “Now I hope, with the members and the community, we build our own table so that people want to come sit at our table. And our table will be a table that is about fairness, a table that is about social equality, a table that we will stand as a community of people and stand together arm in arm and fight a good fight against all of the wrong that’s out here.”

and ultimately the office of the mayor.

NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC. The treasurer lost the 2017 primary race for St. Louis mayor by 888 votes, with Krewson garnering about 2% more of the vote, advancing Krewson to the general election

Salvation Army officers celebrate as they turn on the Christmas Tree in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis on Friday, November 20, 2020. The tree lighting ceremony, which normally brings thousands, was short with no crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

MHS recognizes World AIDS Day, hosts housing segregation symposium

By Ian Darnell and Shakia Gullette, Missouri Historical Society

December 1 is World AIDS Day. Observed annually since 1988, it is an occasion to raise awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic and to remember those lost to the disease. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the critical ways that HIV/AIDS intersects with the African American experience in St. Louis.

The early history of HIV/AIDS is often associated with white gay men in large coastal cities. However, one of the earliest people known to have had HIV in the United States was Robert Rayford, a 16-year-old African American teenager in St. Louis who died at Deaconess Hospital on May 15, 1969—more than a decade before the disease caught the attention of leading scientists and the national press.

In the five decades since Rayford’s death, generations of Black St. Louisans have faced HIV/AIDS. For most of this history, the disease has had a disproportionate impact on the local African American community as compared with other racial groups. This is largely because of persistent inequities around the social determinants of health, such as access to affordable, culturally competent medical care.

Over the years, St. Louisans have organized to fight HIV/AIDS and to support those affected by the disease. One important example is Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS (BABAA). Founded in 1989, BABAA worked to prevent the spread of HIV during some the darkest days of the AIDS crisis. Members of BABAA later founded St. Louis’s annual Black Pride festival for LGBTQ+ African Americans and their allies. Today, BABAA has evolved into the organization Williams & Associates, which has a broad mission to combat minority health disparities in the St. Louis region. Through both our African American History Initiative and Gateway to Pride LGBTQIA+ collecting initiative, the Missouri Historical Society is working to document the impact of HIV/AIDS on the local African American community. In 2019, MHS worked with the Griot Museum of Black History to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rayford’s death. Now we are seeking to hear from community members who are willing to share their experiences of loss, struggle, and survival at gatewaytopride@mohistory.org

On December 4, MHS will host a virtual symposium, A City Divided: Housing Polarization in St. Louis, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Missouri Humanities Council. Since 2016, this symposium has highlighted housing segregation and its lasting impact in St. Louis. Representatives from across the country join MHS to discuss how current social and environmental issues, such as blight and urban decay, affect their own communities.

Last year, we welcomed Nneka N’namdi, Fight Blight Bmore; Tyrone Turner, Better Family Life; Molly Metzger, Washington University in St. Louis; Jacob Wagner, University of Missouri—Kansas City Center for Neighborhoods; and Will Jordan, Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council to discuss housing segregation in Baltimore, Kansas City, and St. Louis.

Due to current restrictions, this year we will not introduce a new city, but rather get an update

Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS brochure, ca. 1994. Missouri Historical Society Collections.

from previous participants to see how their organizations have navigated the current pandemic and its effects on their communities.

To date, St. Louis has more than 25,000 abandoned structures. This is a significant problem that the city cannot handle on its own. Much like St. Louis, Baltimore has its fair share of vacancies and housing segregation. Fight Blight Bmore, an environmental justice campaign, was founded by Baltimore resident N’namdi in 2016. After seeing children riding bikes near dangerous demolition sites, she began researching, reporting, and tracking blight and environmental and safety hazards throughout the city. Fight Blight Bmore is currently testing a mobile app that will allow residents to report these hazards in real time.

N’namdi, who has participated in this symposium since 2018, states, “Blight is in large part the result of segregation as a political and economic outcome of racism. In my work I identify institutional racism as a root cause of segregation and illustrate how the law, regulation, and policy have continued to serve the aims of racism in spite of the civil rights movement. I also work to highlight solutions to blight that are centered in the cultural practices of the affected communities; that are firmly anti-gentrification; and that include the work of renters, small business owners, artists, and nonresidential property owners in the movement toward reparative community development.”

This year’s symposium will take place on Friday, December 4, at 6:30pm. Visit www. mohistory.org/events for more information and the Zoom link.

A UNITED COMMUNITY & CULTURE OF CARING

If a sense of community is important to you... If you are driven by a culture of caring... If you want to make a difference...

Then let us introduce you to the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society

Over the last 26 years, CCS has grown into the No. 1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the nation. And this impact is incredible – CCS has raised more than $46 million for the St. Louis region since its inception.

By answering the call to help their neighbors in need, CCS members make a difference every day throughout our region. CCS has helped create an infrastructure for our community to lean on in times of disaster and crisis. With your support, United Way can continue ensuring that when people need food, shelter, care, counseling or respite, we are there to help.

To learn more about CCS, please visit helpingpeople.org/CCS.

ArchCity Defenders grows team, expands diversity

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

In a time of furloughs, layoffs and business closings, ArchCity Defenders is growing the organization’s increasingly diverse team of lawyers, organizers and social workers.

The firm has brought on 10 staff members in 2020 — including six Black and two gender nonbinary people — bringing their fulltime staff to 32 employees. These additions have also helped maintain the diversity of ACD’s staff. Half are Black or people of color and more than half are women or gender nonbinary.

ArchCity Defenders represents clients in criminal cases and brings civil rights lawsuits that challenge abuses of the criminal legal system.

Kimyatta Smith joined the agency in October as the organization’s social work program manager. She said staff diversity is critical for

ACD to best serve its clients.

“I think that as we prepare to serve clients, having people from different backgrounds, different walks of life, different experiences, adds to the way that we build out the programs and build out services, because you have a different spectrum of ideas ...,” she said.

“I think when it comes to that direct service component, clients can find people they can identify with and I definitely think that improves people’s experiences when they come to our organization.”

Smith said her two-person department is building a pilot program that will formalize the social work the agency has provided for the last 10 years. Those efforts include addressing clients’ basic

needs such as housing, transportation, paying for utilities and food.

She also wants to be able help clients to recognize their own strengths and needs, whether it’s someone who wants to do community organizing, go back to school or learn how to drive a car.

Madison Orozco, ACD’s community collaborations associate, said her goal is to establish a St. Louis that cares for people while actively fighting and dismantling oppressive systems and institutions.

Diversity: Good for clients, good for staff

She agreed with Smith that it’s important for the staff to reflect the diverse identities of the clients. But the diversity is equally important for staff members, too, Orozco said.

“When I started at ArchCity, I had never really worked in an organizing space that had minority leadership, that had black leadership,

Elevate ESTL seeks to bring jobs to ESL

One mission is to establish a hiring program

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

A coalition of passionate East St. Louis residents have banded together through WePower to launch Elevate ESTL, a campaign aimed at bringing quality jobs for residents to the city.

WePower is an organization that works to engage communities for social change by providing education and other resources for activists, entrepreneurs and change makers.

n A coalition of passionate East St. Louis residents have banded together through WePower to launch Elevate ESTL, a campaign aimed at bringing quality jobs for residents to the city.

Elevate ESTL has three main missions: persuade East St. Louis City Council to pass a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance; that the city and newly formed Community Committee develop and monitor a first-source hiring program, and to establish local hiring requirements that developers must follow. Group members, many of whom are lifetime residents, took time this year to survey residents and take the pulse on what is needed to create economic development. Their findings can be boiled down to a few simple words: Access to safe, quality jobs and job training located in East St. Louis.

Debra Wiley is part of WePower and worked on collecting that information..

“We had 110 responses on our survey and heard from over 150 community members over the course of our campaign,” she said.

“We had to ask questions — one was ‘How would you describe the economic opportunities in East St. Louis?’

“Eighty percent of the people said there are few jobs and no economic opportunities in East St. Louis. That’s why we decided on this campaign.”

In addition, 68% of respondents ranked lack of jobs as the number one barrier to improving their economic standing.

Danielle Washington is one of the campaign’s coordinators. She said their first step is lobbying the City Council to pass a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance, which will require future development agreements to be negotiated and approved by a Community Committee. The negotiation will work to ensure the developer brings accessible jobs to the city, and keeps them there.

PeoPle on the Move

Regina Marsh has joined the Normandy Schools Collaborative as director of Community Partnerships & Engagement, a new position. She will lead district strategies to provide support for students and families, and coordinate community engagement initiatives. Marsh will also serve as the district’s chief attendance officer, working with students, families and staff to eliminate barriers and streamline tracking processes for the district with attendance matters. Prior to joining Normandy, Marsh led the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center and John Burton Housing partnership in San Francisco. There she was responsible for implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, as well as directing its fundraising, marketing, financial management, and program creation and oversight.

Annie Malone Children and Family Services has hired Jarel Loveless as chief development officer. Loveless previously served as managing director of development of Teach For America. He has extensive fundraising experience with the University of Missouri, the St. Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Science Center. He has a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and serves on the board of directors of Memory Care Home Solutions.

Washington University professor John Baugh will assume the vice presidency of the Linguistic Society of America on January 10, 2021. Baugh will serve a three-year term on the society’s executive committee, first as vice president in 2021, then as president in 2022, and finally as immediate past president in 2023.

More than $3 million in CARES Act funds will be distributed to small businesses and restaurants in St. Louis County’s continued response to the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County executive has announced.

“These grants come at a critical time for small businesses and restaurants in St. Louis County,” said Page. “We know these businesses have been acutely affected by the pandemic and our efforts to control the spread of the virus. I implore all businesses that qualify to apply for these grants and I call on our leaders in Washington to get together now and approve a stimulus package so that we can get more financial assistance out into our communities. This should have happened months ago.”

St. Louis County this year awarded $19.7 million to more than 1,600 small businesses and restaurants. The additional funds come at the recommendation of the Economic Rescue Team, a group of volunteers appointed by Page to help lead the county’s economic recovery efforts. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership will administer the program, known as the Small Restaurants, small businesses to receive more CARES Act funds

Chad Gray takes notes at a past Elevate ESTL event at Unity Lutheran Church in East St. Louis.

Regina Marsh

Katrina Hudson

Photo provided by Elevate ESTL

Madison Orozco

Kimyatta Smith

Joe Holt

Jarel Loveless

John Baugh

Schnucks announces new supplier diversity program

St. Louis American staff

Schnuck Markets, Inc. has announced the launch of a supplier diversity initiative to promote supplier participation that reflects the diverse communities throughout the Midwest in which Schnucks operates.

In the coming weeks and months, Schnucks merchandising leaders will be working to identify local suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned, operated and managed by individuals that are: people of color, white women, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ, and military veterans.

Grocer to partner with two industry firms to expand reach of new vendors

To accomplish this, Schnucks is partnering with ECRM and RangeMe, firms whose goal is to bring small suppliers together with retailers. This expansion in diverse supplier reach is part of the company’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion plan — Unity Is Power. In the plan, Schnucks reinforces the company’s responsibility to strive for inclusion and equity, not only for teammates and customers, but also for its network of thousands of vendors.

“Schnucks is focused on nourishing people’s lives, not only by helping our customers

to feed and care for their families, but also by actively working to strengthen our communities,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “We believe that investing in diverse suppliers aligns with our company’s values and supports our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.”

To assist Schnucks in the effort for equity and inclusion, ECRM and RangeMe, together, are helping to source, qualify and connect diverse suppliers with the appropriate Schnucks buyers. All sourcing and product submissions will be made through RangeMe, the world’s

leading product discovery and sourcing platform, and ECRM will qualify suppliers, create curated meeting schedules and facilitate face-to-face meeting execution with Schnucks buyers in an effort to drive diverse suppliers into the marketplace. All of this is fueled by ECRM’s dedicated client support teams that help to make sure buyer and seller connections are executed seamlessly. “We are excited to partner with such an innovative retailer on an initiative that will shine a light on up-and-coming diverse suppliers,” said Wayne Bennett, Senior Vice

President of Retail for ECRM. “Schnucks’ pledge to improve and strengthen their local communities through supplier diversity is something we are honored and eager to assist with.”

As demonstrated through Schnucks’ recent partnerships with St. Louis-area Black-owned restaurants, the Schnucks supplier diversity program will promote an inclusive approach by investing in these and other diverse businesses by introducing their products into the company’s stores.

“We want our suppliers

to be more reflective of the communities we serve,” said Adrian Moore, Schnucks director of supplier diversity and category planning. “It is imperative to work with diverse suppliers in order to bring our customers the products they are looking for when they visit our stores, and also to do our part to support equity and inclusion in our communities.”

Suppliers wishing to participate in this diversity initiative are encouraged to visit https://rangeme.com/ schnucksdiversity for more information.

ArchCity launches environmental justice work with virtual summit

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

In an effort to increase the conversation around environmental justice, ArchCity Defenders is working with several local organizations to bring a series of conversations, concluding with a virtual summit, to the public. Madison Orozco, the agency’s community collaborations associate, works with partners

ArchCity

Continued from A9

that had a lot of people who were impacted and involved in the work,” she said.

to advance issues such as housing and environmental justice.

She helped spearhead the effort to put on Environmental Racism Series and Summit, which is intended to build on the release last year of the Environmental Racism in St. Louis report.

“That report came out of a lot of community listening, to hear people talk about what was going on and what people are facing,” she said.

“They wrote a report that analyzed all of this, it showed if you look at the maps, the most marginalized areas of the city and often the communities with the most Black and Brown folks were, time and again, were the ones that were most heavily impacted by these environmental issues.”

Orozco said this is an example of environmental racism, that it was intentional these communities would bear the

brunt of the effects of pollution and climate change. So the goal of the conversations and summit was to engage with people about what it looks like to solve these issues from their perspective.

The virtual conversations and summit were put on through a collaboration of Action St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders, Dutchtown South, Sierra Club and the interdisciplinary environmental clinic at

Washington University School of Law. They brought those conversations to the public through four virtual meetings that began Oct. 21. Those conversations culminated with a summit on Nov. 14, which was attended both virtually and physically.

Presenters summarized the conversations into their vision and reviewed policy recommendations for each of the environmental issues.

“I already knew it, but (this) confirmed how much of an appetite there is for conversations about these things,” Orozco said. “How much of an appetite there is for this work to be done and so this is how we partnered with this clinic this semester. But the organizations in the clinic have a standing partnership. So from semester to semester, we’re going to continue to do things.”

Statistics on non-lawyer staff at firms were not readily available.

Another new staffer, Joe Holt, became director of devel-

“… I’ve been at places that may have some diversity in the staff, but you need to make sure it goes a step further so those people aren’t just there to make it look good, those people are there to be an intentional part of the work you’re doing.” According to the National Association for Law Placement’s 2019 analysis, representation of associates of color has continued to increase since 2010 from 19.53% to 25.44%. Representation of women has increased by 1.1% since 2009 (46.77% from 45.66%).

n “ArchCity is definitely diverse, to the point where it feels very welcoming for a lot of individuals.”

— Joe Holt, director of development, ArchCity Defenders

opment in October. His background is full of nonprofit and union work. Most recently, he worked as the regional chief development officer at the

Missouri-Arkansans Red Cross. Holt, who is biracial, said he has experienced various work situations, from being the only person of color as a ranger for Missouri State Parks in 2003 to working with labor unions full of diversity. And I’m not just saying that because I work here — I was just talking to folks about how it felt very comforting to be

CARES Act

Continued from B1

Business Rapid Deployment Fund.

“As a catalyst for economic development in the St. Louis region, we remain committed to helping existing businesses weather the devastating impact of the COVID-19 virus, said Rodney Crim, CEO and president of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.

“These funds are part of a comprehensive support plan.”

Small businesses affected by the virus may apply for $5,000

Elevate ESTL

Continued from B1

“The residents should always have the first say and option to apply because we are the ones paying taxes and voting,” she said.

in an organization that really welcomes everybody. Where everybody’s sort of coming to the same area because they want to make a difference.”

With the increased interest in civil rights issues this year, in part due to the deaths of people like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, ArchCity’s work is in the spotlight more now than ever.

“I know I always had an affinity towards a lot of the work and the milestones that happened during the civil rights era,” staff attorney Katrina Hudson said. “I didn’t realize that during my lifetime there would be something kind of similar going on in terms of what we’re seeing now, with the Black Lives Matter move-

grants to pay for operating expenses or business costs, including rent and payroll.

Restaurants that have had to adapt to virus-related, public health restrictions may apply for $5,000 grants to off-set related costs for things such as equipment for outdoor dining, heaters, tents and curbside service. In order to qualify, businesses must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and have a physical presence in St. Louis County. The grants can only go to businesses significantly impacted by the continued economic challenges created by COVID-19 and will

Kamina Loveless, the campaign’s other coordinator, said this data was collected both before and after the coronavirus pandemic, with a substantial amount of surveying done in one-on-one..

ment and things like that.” Hudson joined in July. She’s assigned to ACD’s special projects division, which focuses on impact litigation throughout Missouri, in an effort to expand the areas where ACD works.

Moving toward justice

“One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. is, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ “... for me, it’s just about finding my place in the movement and being on the front lines of this pivotal moment in our history and just pushing that arc a little bit further toward justice.”

only cover expenses and costs incurred between April 1, 2020 and December 16, 2020. Businesses that have already received a St. Louis County CARES Act grant are not eligible. Application for the Small Business Rapid Deployment Fund grants open Monday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. and will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Businesses and restaurants are encouraged to apply as early as possible because funding may be limited based on demand. To apply, go to the Partnership website at STLPartnership.com.

“We were actually able to go out and canvas in the neighborhood, and we created these small campaigns and that’s where we got most of our data from,” she said.

“And the other half came from Census points … and so collectively we’ve come up with all these wonderful ways to collect data from people right here in the city. “ Alice Moore, who has lived in East St. Louis since 1961, is also part of the effort to bring jobs, economic development and opportunity to the city.

“These past seven, eight, nine months have truly been a fascinating learning experience,” Moore said. She added: “It’s just fascinating to watch a program in its infancy grow into early adulthood with a concept that can bring economical improvement to East St. Louis.”

As of right now, the campaign will work to get City Council to pass the ordinance. The organization is conducting a letter-writing campaign and asks supporters to visit wepowerstl.org/elevate-estl to participate. A virtual meeting to discuss more about the campaign and its goals is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec 2. To register for the Dec. 2 meeting, visit bit.ly/elevateestlstrategy.

5 years after Ferguson report, some say progress has come too slow

By Rebecca Rivas Missouri Independent

Like so many around the country, Dr. L.J. Punch was glued to the television on the night of Nov. 24, 2014.

That night, the country learned that then-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown Jr. Punch was a critical-care surgeon working in Houston at the time and trying to care for a 2-year-old son.

“I remember the fire,” Punch said, of the unrest that erupted in Ferguson when the grand jury’s decision not to indict was announced.

“I saw the sensationalized images from a distance because I was so far away. In a way, it was so detached from my life at the time.”

Within two years, Punch was living in Ferguson and among the most outspoken advocates for implementing reforms laid out in the Ferguson Commission’s report, released five years ago this fall.

The Ferguson Commission was created in reaction to the unrest in Ferguson by thenMissouri Gov. Jay Nixon. Its goal was to conduct a “thorough, wide-ranging and unflinching study of the social and economic conditions that impede progress, equality and safety in the St. Louis region.”

The report it released in 2015 was a culmination of 10 months of meetings, where the commission heard from more than 100 regional leaders, 1,000 community members and 80 subject matter experts.

It outlined 187 calls to action in achieving racial equity in education, jobs, housing and the criminal justice system. But for all its promise, and

all the work that went into producing it, much of its suggestions have seen little progress.

Among those feeling disappointed by the lack of action on the report’s recommendations are Punch, who this month stepped down as a member of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners after repeatedly hitting roadblocks in moving forward policy changes.

“I think the reason why the Ferguson Commission has not moved St. Louis County is that the county is not interested in increasing equity,” Punch said. “The county is interested in reducing crime. And even though they come to the same conclusion, those inspirations create wildly different structure, policy and culture.”

In response to Punch’s criticism, a county police spokesman said that the department strives to improve by gaining public input on various things, including its updated use-offorce policy and an external review of the department — a study Punch repeatedly challenged.

“I believe we are better than we were five years ago,” said spokesman Sgt. Benjamin Granda, “but not as good as we will be five years from now.”

‘The people’s report’

For many, Nov. 24 is a reminder of the criminal justice movement that ignited after Brown’s death and the calls to action outlined in what was called “the people’s report.”

It’s principles are now at the heart of what people mean when they cry “defund the police,” said Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis.

“The Ferguson Commission report is saying: how do we

by

reimagine public safety?”

Aldridge said. “How do we reinvest back into the people? That’s the same call that individuals like myself and others have been chanting in the streets. It does not mean abolish the police.”

Aldridge was in the streets

with other protesters when he heard the news in 2014. Earlier that November, the governor had appointed Aldridge to be part of the 16-member Ferguson Commission.

At 22, he was the youngest member, and he was hesitant to apply because he disapproved of Nixon’s militarized response to the protests.

However, a close friend convinced him to do it.

“Unless somebody is at the table to speak for the people on the street, your ideas that you want to see on the menu won’t be there,” he said.

The commission experience helped inspire Aldridge to run for state representative in November 2019, he said.

George Floyd’s death this year in Minneapolis sparked a renewed energy in the racial justice movement, said David Dwight, executive director of Forward Through Ferguson, which is the organization tasked with advocating for the implementation of the report’s calls to action.

The Ferguson report didn’t just stop at reforming the criminal justice system, Dwight said. It demands investment in early childhood, creating accessible housing, expanding access to healthcare, better job opportunities and pay rates to address the root cause of crime.

“That’s so much of what ‘defund the police’ is about at its essence,” Dwight said. “How are we reducing the systems that are actually perpetuating inequity and disproportionately hurting people of color.”

The St. Louis region has seen “drops in the bucket” of what the Ferguson report calls for, he said, but they are still considered wins.

Just this year, the group established a $2 million Racial Healing and Justice Fund to invest in healing community trauma and changing the conditions that reinforce systemic racism. The report called for a larger fund, but it’s a start, Dwight said.

The region has also enacted some protections around discrimination in housing and the creation of a housing trust fund in St. Louis County, he said.

There have been some advancements in funding for early childhood, including a ballot measure in St. Louis city that will potentially raise $2.3 million annually for early childhood services in the city’s most divested areas. Some school districts have also improved their discipline policies.

But police reform remains the area that’s seen the least progress, Dwight said.

“A lot of public policy leaders have not shown the courage

to implement changes that we knew were needed, and now, it’s undeniable that they’re needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, “defund the police” has become a lightning rod for controversy and a cudgel that the GOP used against Democrats throughout the 2020 elections.

“It’s not an organized organization called ‘Defund The Police,’” Jean Evans, executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, said shortly before the November elections.

“Some of these organizations that are supporting (Democratic gubernatorial candidate) Nicole Galloway want to see the dismantling and the disarming of police.”

St. Louis residents voted for additional taxes to support police officers, Evans noted, and people want to see those funds go towards police equipment and adequate staffing.

“I think there’s a minority of people who think that we should take money away from the police and put them towards other resources,” she said.

New prosecutors

Many reforms in the Ferguson Commission’s report have largely stalled, but St. Louis city and county residents elected two prosecutors who ran largely on the promises the report contained.

In August 2016, Kimberly Gardner won handily in the four-way Democratic primary race for circuit attorney, beating her nearest challenger by nearly 10,000 votes. She became St. Louis city’s first black circuit attorney.

Last year, Gardner released her Justice 2020 initiative to reform — or, as she says, “tear down” — the system.

“We have to stop having this rhetoric that we’re going to be able to lock our way out of this, prosecute our way out of this,” Gardner said.

More surprising than Gardner’s victory was what happened two years later in St. Louis County.

In 2014, Wesley Bell was a professor at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, which is in Ferguson.

On Nov. 24, he was watching the news from home on West Florissant Avenue, which local organizers and national media have described as “Ground Zero” for the movement.

Then-St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch made the announcement at 8 p.m. from downtown Clayton. Bell remembers fielding calls from friends and family after-

wards who wanted to hear a lawyer’s take on the issue.

“It’s one of those moments many of us know exactly where we were,” he said.

Bell had no idea that four years later, he would shock the country by unseating McCulloch — an incumbent Democrat who had been in office since 1991.

Ending the “debtor’s jails” was a major cry during the Ferguson protests, and it was a main priority for Bell when he took office. Asked if anyone is currently in the county jail because they can’t afford bail, Bell said that there shouldn’t be.

“We make it clear to the public defenders and to the judiciary,” Bell said. “If there is someone that has slipped through the cracks that we’re not aware of, bring it to our attention and we will join in the motion to get that individual out.”

Bell has also implemented one of the biggest diversion programs in the state, along with Gardner.

This is good for public safety, he said, because violent offenders don’t generally start off committing violent offenses. They typically start with stealing or drug possession offenses.

“When you catch them at that point and give them the treatment and support they need, the research is clear,” Bell said. “They’re significantly less likely to reoffend and we’re seeing it happen in our prosecution-led diversion.”

The national recidivism rates for state prisoners is nearly 80 percent, and the rate in their diversion program is 4.8 percent.

According to Gardner, a year of diversion is 95 percent less expensive than a year in jail. The average cost to incarcerate a person in a St. Louis jail is $31,543, she said.

One of the reasons the reforms on the prosecutorial sides have advanced is because Bell and Gardner were elected to do just that, he said, and they aren’t beholden to any council.

In August, Bell had to make a similar announcement that McCulloch did in 2014. Bell assigned his conviction and incident review unit to look into the facts of Michael Brown’s death again, which concluded that there was not enough evidence to charge Darren Wilson with a crime.

“The physical evidence is what it is, and unfortunately, six years later, you can’t recreate a crime scene,” Bell said. “We’re stuck with the investigation that was done at the time.”

Photo

Lawrence Bryant

Nov. 24, 2014 the country learned that then-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown Jr.

“Taking

Care of You”

iPads become social contact lifelines during pandemic

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Electronic tablets, phones and computers are the vital connections keeping people tethered to school, work, worship, family and friends during these eight months and counting, of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a U.S. Health and Human Services blog dated Sept. 10, U.S. Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome M. Adams, M.D., and Lance Robertson, of Administration for Community Living, discussed “Harnessing Technology to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation” and health effects of social deprivation.

“Research tells us that social isolation can threaten health, and regular social interactions and having a strong personal network are important to a person’s mental and physical health, resilience, and longevity,” they wrote.

n “It’s been really great. I like the way it’s set up and everything. It’s a really good tool.I want to use it for both the VA and my other medical doctors now.”

— Leroy Gill

“In fact, loneliness can pose as grave a threat to a person’s health as smoking, obesity, or substance abuse.

Loneliness can take a toll on one’s physical, mental and emotional health and may manifest in various ways.

“Health concerns stemming from social deprivation include high blood pressure, sleeplessness or less restful sleep, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. In addition, lack of human interaction may increase hormone levels that contribute to inflammation and weakened immunity, thereby increasing the risk of diseases.”

Loneliness and social isolation is a particular health concern for older people, a population vulnerable to severe outcomes if they contract the coronavirus and who also need safe interaction with others.

Making connections, safely

For The Empowerment Network of prostate cancer survivors, finding a way to keep the men connected to one another, to family and to vital health care has become a crucial need, and iPads are the balm during these difficult times.

A grant from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust allowed the organization to purchase refurbished iPads for members who did not have tablets, so they can connect with health care providers and to the world outside their doors safely.

“To introduce the men to telehealth and telemedicine. … That was our main goal, to stay connected with our survivors, and the iPad

Leroy Gill learns how to use an iPad supplied by The Empowerment Network to have telehealth visits, participate in prostate cancer support group meetings and visit with family during the coronavirus pandemic. The tablets were purchased through a grant from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust.

was also a confidence-builder for many of the men in the organization who thought technology had passed them by,” said Mellve Shahid, founder and CEO of The Empowerment Network. “Especially since they grew up in the age of the typewriter and not in the age of the computer.”

Robin Wright-Jones is the network’s executive director. Wright-JOnes applied for the grant after she and members brainstormed on how to stay in touch with the members and help them stay on track with their health care.

“They did kind of freak out when their

appointments, their follow-ups and their treatments and therapies were suspended because of COVID,” Wright-Jones said.

“Obviously, in any type of medical situation that our guys are in, when they don’t have access to the very thing that’s threatening their existence, it creates a panic.”

Imagine teaching senior gentlemen, who may have been a little scared of technology, indifferent about it, or wanted nothing to do with computers or any of that “social media” stuff, to use iPads. And because of the pan-

See iPADS, A13

Poor children with food allergies are in danger

By Sandy West Kaiser Health News

As Emily Brown stood in a food pantry looking at her options, she felt alone. Up to that point, she had never struggled financially. But there she was, desperate to find safe food for her young daughter with food allergies. What she found was a jar of salsa and some potatoes.

“That was all that was available,” said Brown, who lives in Kansas City, Kansas. “It was just a desperate place.”

When she became a parent, Brown left her job for lack of child care that would accommodate her daughter’s allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat and soy. When she and her husband then turned to a federal food assistance program, they found few allowable allergy substitutions. The closest allergy support group she could find was an hour away. She was almost always the only Black parent, and the only poor parent, there.

Brown called national food allergy advocacy organizations to ask for guidance to help poor families find safe food and medical resources, but she said she was told that wasn’t their focus. Support groups, fundraising activities and advocacy efforts, plus clinical and research outreach, were targeted at wealthier — and white — families. Advertising rarely reflected families that looked like hers. She felt unseen.

“In many ways, food allergy is an invisible disease. The burden of the disease, the activities and energy it takes to avoid allergens, are mostly invisible to those not impacted,” Brown said. “Black and other minority patients often lack voice and visibility in the health care system. Add the additional burden of an invisible condition and

Blackmon creates joy in midst of pandemic

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

“I want to feel something different.”

The voice in her head was new but strong. Kristian Blackmon, 39, wasn’t aware she was contemplating suicide. She just knew she didn’t feel right; hadn’t felt herself for days. What she defined as a “darkness” had enveloped her for weeks. But that night in early 2019, after work, while in the shower, an unexpected but convincing message boomed in her head:

“I’m Done!”

Blackmon consumed all the alcohol and pills she could find in the house. Time passed, she blacked out only to be awakened by her cousin banging on her front door. She’d been trying to reach her all day. The cousin and her husband tended to Blackmon.

Because she had vomited most of the poison from her system, the cousin didn’t insist she go to a hospital. Instead, the cousin took Blackmon home with her. The next day, Blackmon contacted her therapist and they’ve been in constant contact ever since.

She still has those “up and down days” and small bouts with depression, but, Kristian said,

n “In this COVID environment, joy is important.”

— Kristin Blackmon

but the irrational thoughts and feelings that seemed to justify suicide almost two years ago have not returned. Today, life for Kristian Blackmon is all about healing herself and others.

This weekend (Nov. 27), Blackmon will host “I Still Love H.E.R.” a virtual art show celebrating women in hip-hop. It’s one of several shows she’s hosted as part of her effort to use the power of art to “educate and speak to oppression and injustice.” Kristian, a visual artist, has been curating exhibits since 2012 at venues such as Urb Arts in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood. She’s been involved in protests since the killing of Mike Brown by a Ferguson police See BLACKMON, A13

A12

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 –

2, 2020

Photo by Cheryl Gill

Emily Brown founded the Food Equality Initiative advocacy organization in 2014.

Kristian Blackmon has been involved in protests since the killing of Mike Brown by a Ferguson police officer in 2014.

Photo provided by Kristian Blackmon

Blackmon

Continued from A12

officer in 2014. But the suicide attempt, police shootings and the coronavirus pandemic has increased her resolve to give Black people, especially activists and artists, a chance to speak and be heard.

“We have to take care of ourselves”

“A lot of folk who do community work, especially those protesting; they’re moving on adrenaline and most times don’t think about what it does to them mentally. A lot of stuff I didn’t think was impacting me, actually was. I recognize now that we have to take care of ourselves.”

The suicide attempt, Kristian admits, was, in a way, successful:

“There were elements of me that literally died that day. There were pieces of me I needed to shed and some of those pieces died. Now, I’m reincarnated. I’m on the other side. There are new pieces to me, things that were made anew.”

The challenge she’s embraced is “figuring out how to be well, emotionally, physically, and spiritually” in these susceptible times, and not just for herself:

“I’m in this super imaginative space where I want to present an element of joy in my shows because it’s important for us to have that in the midst of all this.”

“Taking Care of You”

Kristian also finds contentment in giving back. “Harriett’s Gun” is an all-black women’s collective she heads.The group has organized community events in Fairground Park, where people from the neighborhood can gather safely while receiving free items like face masks, food and clothing.

This past summer, the group hosted a public event called “Revolver,” which paid homage to people lost to gun violence.

One of her proudest and most bodacious accomplishments was the Go-Fund-Me campaign she started this year for small, local, black-owned businesses affected by social unrest or the pandemic.

Blackmon heard that Cathy’s Kitchen in Ferguson

was vandalized during protests after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. The restaurant, she said, is a favorite hangout for activists. They were asking if there was a fund for struggling black businesses.

Blackmon couldn’t find one, so she started one. To date, she’s raised more than $25,000 and has contributed to Cathy’s Kitchen and other Black enterprises struggling during the pandemic. The response was so quick and generous, she said, she’s increased her goal to $40,000 to help even more Black businesses.

Staying mentally sound is an ongoing endeavor, Blackmon said. She found that talking about trying to take her own life has proven liberating: “Sharing my testimony”

“Sometimes we’re made to feel shame for having low moments. The times I’ve shared my story, people say ‘you’re such a strong person … you do so much stuff.’ They tend to forget that we’re all human. Sharing my testimony has helped me tremendously but that vulnerability and honesty has helped others as well.”

Kristian uses the word “darkness” to describe her feelings before the suicide attempt.

“The crazy thing was that my mind was telling me a lot of negative things that I know weren’t real. But I wasn’t able to shake those feelings.”

Because of the pandemic, she recognizes that over-

whelming darkness in people’s lives. Strangely, the fear, isolation and depression that’s affected others has inspired her:

“In this COVID environment, joy is important,” she explained. “So, now, instead of negative thoughts, I think about the platforms and opportunities I can create for others. I think about the new relationships and stronger connections I’ve built. I think about how I moved negative things out of my life that don’t serve me anymore.

“I think that even in the midst of this pandemic, I can create happiness and joy.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow. To view the GoFundMe, visit https://tinyurl.com/FundBlack-Business.

Families fear nursing home residents face two crises: coronavirus and loneliness

By Chad Davis St. Louis Public Radio

Diana Morrison remembers celebrating her father’s 85th birthday with the entire family in February. They gathered in a conference room at Bethesda Southgate, a nursing facility in St. Louis County, with food and drinks, eager to celebrate. It was the family’s last gathering before the coronavirus pandemic with her father, who has lived at Bethesda Southgate for nearly three years.

“It’s kind of a whole new normal for me, because I was used to going in every day, everything I did was kind of around when I was going to go visit Dad,” said Morrison, whose father had a stroke 20 years ago. “He kind of understands, he kind of gets why we can’t come.”

The pandemic has made it hard for families to visit their loved ones in nursing and assisted living homes.

After many people in nursing homes tested positive for the virus this year, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services instructed long-term care facilities to limit visitors and nonessential health care staff. In June, state health officials said nursing homes could again allow visitors to see family members.

Morrison said she’s frus-

iPads

Continued from A12

“Setting up the iPads was a little challenging because they couldn’t do it one-on-one,” Shahid said. “They had had to take a 75-year-old man and take a piece of technology he knew nothing about, and try to set it up, over the phone.” They made it happen.

Allergies

Continued from A12 you are in a really vulnerable position.”

Black children more likely to have food allergies

trated that people aren’t taking the virus seriously and wearing masks, which has left the most vulnerable residents facing two crises: the coronavirus and loneliness.

“I understand why it’s happening, but I am shocked that it’s still going on,” Morrison said. “I feel like all these years and the last seven months have just been so depressing for him.”

An October survey by the nonprofit Altarum Institute found that 5% of nursing home

Under the patient tutelage of two members, Walter Pritchard and Charles Johnson, the de facto tech-team taught 25 older men, over the phone, how to use them.

For Leroy Gill, 72,l of St. Louis, his biggest learning curve was using a Mac operating system. But once he got it, he got it. And he loves it.

“It’s been really great. I like the way it’s set up and everything. It’s a really good tool,” Gill said. He has used it for a Veterans Affairs telehealth

residents had visitors three or more times a week. Before the pandemic, more than 50% did. Three-quarters of respondents also said they’ve felt more lonely during the pandemic.

But loved ones had to stay outside and follow social distancing guidelines to keep residents safe.

University City resident Mark Schoon said the new guidelines were a relief. His dad was moved from his independent living facility on Delmar after the isolation left

visit. “I want to use it for both the VA and my other medical doctors now.”

Young teach the old

The young digital experts are helping out the old-school fellows as well.

“A lot of the survivors

I’ve spoken to about the iPad program, another one of their educators were their grandchildren,” Shahid said. “They were able to go to their grandkids and say, ‘Paw Paw needs some

him depressed and sad.

“At first it was OK, but after two or three months I think the solitary nature of it all started getting to people, in him especially,” Schoon said. “[He] started to lose interest in getting up, in eating, in doing the normal things people would do.”

What will happen when it gets cold?

After Schoon’s father stopped eating, he was admitted to a hospital and later to a rehab facility. Schoon said his

help with this, how do you navigate this, how do you navigate that’ — because a lot of the grandkids are working on iPads now right in their homes with them doing their schooling, because the schools are shut down. So, it became a win-win situation altogether.”

Keeping the men connected has continued with good support group participation.

“One support group meeting, we had over 65 guys that are Zooming, and these are guys in their 70s,” Shahid said.

father will soon be admitted into an assisted living facility now that he’s doing better. He’s also been able to visit his dad during scheduled patio and window visits where the two can be in the same place together. But Schoon and others worry about what will happen as the weather gets too cold for outdoor visits.

Nursing homes across the country are trying to figure out what to do during the next several months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the coronavirus spreads more indoors.

Cheryl Kinney is a counselor who primarily works with older adults. Her father has Alzheimer’s disease and lives at Meramec Bluffs. His situation inspired her to want to help other residents. She often goes to nursing homes to speak with residents who are having a rough time.

“You try to work with the person’s strengths, and how have they coped in the past when they’ve encountered challenging times, and you try to use that as a resource, to help them through the challenge that they’re going through now,” Kinney said.

Many families say caregivers help them use Zoom or FaceTime to talk to their adult children and grandchildren.

The grant also allows the network to focus on mental health.They are working with a half-dozen African American mental health therapists on 90-minute interactive topics on Zoom, talking about relationships, stress management, grief counseling, self-care and other topics. These are separate from their regular support meetings, and take place monthly on Sunday afternoons.

While some say it’s not the same as seeing them in person, it’s better than nothing. Diana Morrison wonders how her father and other people in nursing homes will make it through the holiday season when they can’t celebrate with families. She’s been able to see her dad during patio visits, but she knows other residents have had few visits. So she’s trying to help the best she can.

“My sister that passed away was a card maker, I have gobs of cards,” Morrison said. “So I recently colored a bunch of postcards, I wrote a bunch of Halloween cards, took it to the nursing home, and told the activity staff to hand it out to people that don’t get mail.” It’s just one way Morrison tries to bring a sense of normalcy during a very abnormal year.

Pull quote said the new guidelines were a relief. His dad was moved from his independent living facility on Delmar after the isolation left him depressed and sad.

“At first it was OK, but after two or three months I think the solitary nature of it all started getting to people.” — Mark Schoon, University City

In addition to the iPads, and the mental health discussions, the grant is supporting an upcoming Healthy Focus podcast – a spinoff of the network’s former Healthy Focus radio program that aired for many years.

“We’re going to be bringing in the doctors and clinicians to be a part of our podcast,” Shahid said.

A psychotherapist and a marriage and sexual health therapist are slated to be on the podcast that will begin early next year. For more information, visit theempowermentnetwork.net.

An estimated 6 million children in the United States have food allergies, 40% of them with more than one. Though limited research has been done on race and class breakdowns, recent studies show that poor children and some groups of minority children not only have a higher incidence of food allergies than white kids, but their families also have more difficulty accessing appropriate child care, safe food, medical care and life-saving medicine like epinephrine for them.

likely to have food allergies than white children, according to a 2020 study by Dr. Ruchi Gupta, at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. To be sure, the study shows that Asian children are 24% more likely than white children to have food allergies. But Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately more likely to live in poor communities, to have asthma, and to suffer from systemic racism in the delivery of medical care.

And finding allergen-free food to keep allergic kids safe can be costly — in both time and money.

entire family,’” said Dr. Carla Davis, director of the food allergy program at Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital.

Fed up with the lack of support, Brown founded the Food Equality Initiative advocacy organization in 2014. It offers an online marketplace to income-eligible families in Kansas and Missouri who, with a doctor’s note about the allergy, can order free allergy-safe food to fit their needs.

color,, who live disproportionately in food deserts, fresh and allergy-friendly foods can be especially expensive and difficult to find in the best of times.

Few substitutions available

Making matters worse, low-income households pay more than twice as much as higher-income families for the emergency medical care their children receive for their allergies, according to a 2016 study by Gupta. The kids often arrive at the hospital in more distress because they lack safe food and allergy medications — and because asthma, which disproportionately hits Black and Puerto Rican children and demic, the group could not risk doing it face-to-face.

Black children are 7% more

“Many times, a mother is frank and says, ‘I have $20 to $40 to buy groceries for the week, and if I buy these foods that you are telling me to buy, I will not be able to feed my

Brown said her organization more than doubled its clientele in March through August, compared with the same period in 2019. And though it currently serves only Missouri and Kansas, she said the organization has been fielding an increasing number of calls from across the country since the pandemic began. For low-income people of

Food assistance programs are heavily weighted to prepackaged and processed foods, which often include the very ingredients that are problematic. Black children are more likely to be allergic to wheat and soy than white kids, and both Black and Hispanic children are more likely to be allergic to corn, shellfish and fish, according to a 2016 study. Some programs allow few allergy substitutions. For example, the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants

and Children allows only canned beans as a substitute for peanut butter. While nutritionally similar, beans are not as easy to pack for a kid’s lunch. Brown questions why WIC won’t allow a seed butter, such as sunflower butter, instead. She said they are nutritionally and functionally similar and are offered as allergy substitutions in other food programs.

low-income communities, complicates allergic reactions.

Recently, other advocacy groups, including Food Allergy Research & Education, a national advocacy organization, also have started to turn their attention to a lack of access and support in poor and minority communities. When Lisa Gable, who is white, took over at the group known as FARE in 2018, she began to diversify the organization internally and to make it more inclusive.

“There wasn’t a big tent when I walked in the door,” said Gable. “What we have been focused on doing is trying to find partners and relationships that will allow us to diversify those engaged in the community, because it has not been a diverse community.”

The pandemic has made it hard for families to visit their loved ones in nursing and assisted living homes.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Holidays

Thanksgiving in the time of Covid

Healthy Kids

All 2020 holidays are different, including Thanksgiving. But if we remember the precautions that we have learned over the past several months, we can still have a safe and fun Thanksgiving.

Preparing the meal

While preparing your Thanksgiving meal, remember these tips.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Sanitize surfaces before using them.

• Serve your meal cafeteria style: one person serves all of the dishes – to avoid having mul-

Nutrition Challenge:

Take Your T ime!

What Fits?

It seems that all of us are usually in a hurry. But when it’s time to eat, sit down, relax and focus on eating. With each bite, set down your fork and chew your food completely before swallowing. This allows your stomach to “catch

Exercise Challenge:

Is biking your thing? Or do you like to play basketball? The best “exercise” you can do is through an activity you enjoy. Make a list of 10 activities that you like to do, that are active enough to be considered exercise. Some possibilities include kickball, baseball, football, dancing, biking,

PRESENT: Travel

tiple people touch the serving utensils. The family gathering

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

If you are going to someone else’s home (or they’re coming to yours), here a few guidelines to follow.

• Limit your gathering to only your household members.

• Try the new 2020 version of a gettogether – have a Zoom dinner with other relatives.

• Deliver safely-prepared meals to others who might be alone.

up” with your eating, and you’ll know when you’re full. Eating slowly allows you to know when you’ve had enough and you can stop eating before you become uncomfortable from overeating… and you’ll eat less!

Try this

Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

running, skating, jump rope, walking or playing Frisbee. Make it a goal to do one of these activities each day of the week (at least five days a week). Exercise can be fun!

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Many families travel Thanksgiving weekend. If you are still planning a trip this holiday, here are a few ways to stay safe and healthy.

• If flying is in your plans, follow the airline’s guidelines regarding Covid: keep social distancing, sanitize your seat, armrests, etc., wear your mask in the airport, avoid touching surfaces and wash your hands often. Whenever possible, maintain at least 6 feet between you and others at the airport and on the airplane.

• Only travel with your own family members if driving to your Thanksgiving gathering.

• Wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wash your hands when stopping at gas stations.

• Bring your own food along, to avoid stopping at restaurants during your drive.

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

In order for a computer to work, you will need to understand the basic parts of the computer: hardware, software, and input. Hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and monitor. Inside the computer, is the central processing unit (CPU). The hardware receives commands from the software. Software includes programs installed on the computer. This may include word processing systems or games. You provide the input by typing a command or clicking an icon, which tells the computer what to do.

How Do Computers Work?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Does practice make perfect? In this experiment, you will observe the effect that practice has on computer keyboarding skills.

When you start the computer, the CPU tells the hardware to start certain programs. This is called “booting up.” Next, you will provide input when you choose what command you want to enter. If you want to surf the Internet, your input/demand is the process of typing in the web address, called the Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The browser software will interact with the modem to find the correct address and will display the information on your computer screen. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to gain background information.

SCIENCE STARS

FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Clarence “Skip” Ellis

Clarence “Skip” Ellis was born in 1943 in Chicago. His mother was a single parent with five children. At age 15, Ellis went to work to help his family pay the bills. He worked the overnight shift protecting an insurance company’s computer. In 1958, computers were rare and very expensive. In his spare time at work, Ellis studied the computer manual very carefully and learned a lot. He was able to put his knowledge to use one day when the company ran out of punch cards for a project. Ellis changed the settings on the computer and his employers were able to reuse the old cards.

Materials Needed:

Computer • Sample Text to Type

• Notebook to Record Results

Procedure:

q Choose a sample text that you will type on the computer. This may be a paragraph found in your textbook, or a story in the newspaper.

w How long did it take you to type the text?

e Calculate your typing speed as words per minute.

r Next, practice your keyboarding skills by practicing 10-15 minutes per day.

t After five days of practice, repeat step 1.

y What was your rate after practice? ________

MATH CONNECTION

When you are working with computers, you will need to be familiar with storage terminology. All of the data that you store takes up “space.” Each computer hard drive has a limited amount of space that can be filled. Use the approximate conversions below to answer the following math questions.

u If you would practice 10-15 minutes each day, what do you predict your score would be in an additional week?

Resources: To learn more about how to calculate words per minute, visit: http://www.calculatorcat.com/typing_test/ http://www.typingtestnow.com

Analyze: How does practice affect performance?

Learning Standard: I can follow step-by-step directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results. Improve your Typing Speed

q If you have a file that takes up 2,016 bytes, how many kilobytes does it fill? ______

DID YOU KNOW?

Ellis’ high school teachers encouraged him to attend summer programs to learn more about math, science, and computers. In 1960, his church pastor helped him find a scholarship to Beloit College in Wisconsin. Ellis was discouraged to find he was the only African-American student on campus. Although it was difficult work and Ellis was lonely, he stuck it out and continued his education, even staying during winter and summer break to get caught up on his studies. During this time, Ellis was inspired by two events: he was allowed to help set up a computer that was donated to the college and he went to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. Ellis finally felt like he belonged. Ellis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and physics in 1964. Next, he attended the University of Illinois, earning a graduate degree in computer science. In 1969, Ellis became the first African American to earn a doctorate degree in Computer Science. He has taught at Stanford University, the University of Texas, MIT, Stevens Institute of Technology, and in Taiwan. His research has been printed in numerous journals. Ellis helped develop the idea of clicking on icons to launch programs that became the basis for Apple’s and Microsoft’s operating systems.

GUI The first graphical user interface “GUI” was used on the Xerox Alto computer in the early 1970s. The technology behind this interface is called “bit mapping.” It turns every pixel you see on a computer screen into a picture. Without a “GUI,” you would see only coding—letters and numbers that would represent a picture, but not actually show you a picture.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about the contributions in science, technology, and math.

Computers are a valuable resource in today’s society. Many companies have begun marketing through computerbased methods, such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Look through the newspaper and find advertisements.

q How many advertisements include websites and Facebook links?

w Visit one of the websites found in the advertisement. What information is found on the website? Can you locate:

• the company’s physical address?

• the company’s telephone number?

• the hours of operation?

• information about products/services available?

• email addresses for employees who can assist you with questions?

e What information would you add that is not included? Why?

Learning Standards: I can evaluate a website and find important information.

Mr. Wonsley’s 4

Gibson Elementary School 4th grade

Biden’s first 100-day challenge: Transitioning to a more inclusive economy

Policy group calls for fair housing, Black business assistance and more

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

The 2020 presidential election triggered a record number of participating voters. Never before had so many people cast their preferences. And similarly, together substantiated how divided the nation is. For Black America, the financial ravages of the year have brought deeper and more devastating circumstances to bear. Disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have been denied the opportunity to comfort loved ones hospitalized, or even to collectively mourn the loss of family and friends. The continuing pandemic has also depleted the financial resources of those who lack sufficient resources to cover financial emergencies. When these same economically-disadvantaged consumers also suffer job losses, lay-offs and reduced working hours, mounting household debts are inevitable.

“We are in the midst of a pandemic caused by an abject failure of federal leadership that has left tens of millions unemployed, the economy in collapse, nearly half of the nation’s Black small businesses decimated, 40 million Americans at risk of foreclosure and eviction, and Black homeownership at levels not

seen since the 1960, when racial discrimination in housing was legal,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League In the throes of these challenges, the president-elect has yet to receive cooperation toward a peaceful transition of power. He must instead draw upon the expertise and insights of those proficient in key areas of concern to construct a myriad of remedies needed now more than ever.

While pundits focus on the first 100 days of the next administration, people from all walks of life hope in earnest for an inclusive economic recovery, one that includes communities long-marginalized. And lest anyone purport that communities of color are overlysensitive, we need only remind naysayers of how the housing recovery from the Great Recession left behind the very people who were harmed the most: Black and Latino communities.

A straightforward first step is for President-Elect Biden to move swiftly to restore fair housing rules that were gutted by President Trump’s administration.

In 2015, President Obama’s administration issued the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation, which provided long-overdue guidance for local governments and

A straightforward first step is for President-Elect Biden to move swiftly to restore fair housing rules that were gutted by President Trump’s administration.

others to implement a mandate of the same name in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This key development in civil rights law’s Affirmatively Furthering mandate required active steps to end segregation, promote integration, and ensure all neighborhoods are well-resourced. It also assured that local residents would have access to housing opportunities.

Under President Trump the Department of Housing and Urban Development repealed the regulation and replaced it

Bryce Pettiford understands the importance of being a change agent in his community. That’s why he champions several racial equity initiatives and programs at Maryville University. Most recently, Pettiford helped lead the “Be the Change” rally on Maryville’s campus. The rally brought awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement as well as systemic oppression plaguing black communities.

Pettiford is also involved in clubs like the Black Male Initiative, the Association of Black Collegians and Inclusion at Maryville. As part of Maryville’s Multicultural Scholars Program, he serves as a peer tutor, educator and mentor.

Pettiford uses his bold voice and ideas to ensure inclusion on campus, and Maryville stands with him. Learn more at maryville.edu/bold

with a rule that was described as “weak and toothless” by Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance. Even the collection of data on mortgage discrimination has been cut. These rollbacks and others are described in a report entitled, Turning Back the Clock: How the Trump Administration Has Undermined 50 Years of Fair Housing Progress released by Ohio’s Sen. Sherrod Brown, the Ranking Member on the U.S. Banking Committee.

At the same time, we know that real progress must be pursued beyond familiar and often ineffective remedies. Preserving the status quo will never provide help that is desperately needed.

Toward this end, has proposed a 100-day agenda for the incoming Administration and the new Congress to address financial justice in all of its forms.

To expand fair, inclusive, and sustainable homeownership, the Center calls for sev-

eral actions including:

● Targeted reparations in a homeownership program that includes direct down payment grants for lowwealth, first-time Black and Brown homebuyers as well as others disadvantaged by exclusionary federal homeownership policies; and ● Eliminating reliance on creditscoring systems that entrench historic discrimination.

Recognizing that the broken higher education financing system also perpetuates the racial wealth gap, the center suggests a range of reforms to immediately relieve the crushing burden of student debt, including broad-based cancellation.

“Too often, predatory financial services and products prevent families and small businesses from accessing opportunities, and instead impede our ability to reduce poverty and close the racial wealth gap”, states a CRL policy brief that includes a combination of administrative and legislative actions.

As a people, let’s call upon a new administration to end our long-suffering wait.

If this recovery is to be different, the calls for action must be heeded. Now is the time to stand up and speak out not just for what we want, but for what we also deserve Charlene Crowell is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

BOLD CHAMPION

Living It

Best of Both Worlds: Kizz Q juggles music and radio career

Quincy Moore uses stage name, works two in professions he loves

By Danielle Brown of The St. Louis American

Quincy Moore, professionally known as Kizz Q, is living proof that it’s possible to have a successful radio career while simultaneously chasing dreams of becoming a recording artist.

The Streetz 105.1 promoter and media personality recently released the video for his latest single, the feel-good party anthem, “Pop Star,” produced by the Grammy award-winning producers The Trak Starz, and distributed by Sony the Orchard. The duo’s biggest claim to fame is their production on Chingy’s ‘Right Thurr’.

“Me being a transparent artist, I never want to say I can’t do something, so ‘Pop Star was an opportunity for me to show that I can not only be a hip-hop artist, but I can be a pop star too.” Moore said.

Following the success of his last single, ‘Grindin’, which had more than 30,000 streams in two weeks, Moore began to receive more attention.

The fast-rising buzz led him to reach out to his uncle, Marnez Robinson. Robinson, a local businessman, and a former member of the local ’90s R&B group Naturally Smooth, decided to become his manager.

production group, which then submitted the track to The Orchard.

“My unk called me while I was at work and was like, ‘Yo, Sony messing with us,’ and it went from there.” Moore said.

“I always thought radio and music definitely work handin-hand, so at any point I was like, if I get a shot to work at a station then I’m going for it.”

“Kizz Q is a dedicated, true artistic performer who really cares about being authentic and appreciates the team’s hard work.” Robinson said.

Pop Star’s distribution through The Orchard, a subsidiary of Sony Music, was approved after Robinson and Moore stepped out on faith, submitting the song to A. Swain and Lipe Beatz NWEnt Records, a California-based record label/

Streetz 105.1 promoter and media personality Kizz Q recently released the video for his latest single, the feel-good party anthem, “Pop Star,” produced by the Grammy award-winning producers The Trak Starz.

People often ask Moore how he masters pursuing music while juggling a radio career that has given him the opportunity to work for iHeartMedia, Entercom Communications, and Radio One before launching his career with Street 105.1.

“When they see somebody who’s doing it they ask, ‘how do you do that?’” Moore said.

“At times it can be very stressful if you don’t know how to properly present and promote yourself — two major keys to working in the radio industry.”

Radio is the route Moore chose after receiving his associate degree in recording engineering with producing/business management at Vatterott College.

“I’ve always thought radio and music worked hand-in-hand, so at any point I was like, if I get a

See Kizz Q, B2 ‘Unprecedented times call for unprecedented programming’

Muny U virtual learning program launched for high school theatre departments

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Virtual learning is challenging enough with general course studies. But what about the performing arts electives that motivate so many young people to stay engaged with their educational experience?

This time of year is typically marked by final rehearsals and addressing last-minute logistical details ahead of the big holiday concert, musical or play. Instead of a student-led production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” teens ordinarily immersed in preparing for performances are now staring at computer screens because of the coronavirus. Hearing the frustrations of classroom educators left Tali Allen, director of education for The Muny, with a pressing and urgent question. “How do you teach performing arts online?”

See Muny, B2

Couple aims to provide better life for domestic violence survivors

Husband, wife offer help through their non-profit organization

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

Bran-dee Jelks-Ross and her husband, Eddie Ross, are on a mission: By the time 2020 greets 2021, they plan to raise $20,000 for their Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation.

The foundation, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, set the goal to fund its Pathway to Brightness program, which provides domestic violence survivors with a stipend of $1,500 to help them make the transition to a new life.

Jelks-Ross has more than 20 years of experience in real estate. She received her bachelor of psychology degree, with a minor in business administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She’s passionate about helping women with children have a safe and stable living condition.

Eddie Ross, earned his bachelor’s in business management and marketing from Alabama A&M University. He has more than 20 years of experience in business management and organizational development in corporate, non-profits, and other small businesses.

Advocating for domestic violence is something Ross holds near and dear to his heart.

Growing up with a family full of women, Ross saw firsthand the damage they suffered from domestic violence and has always made it his

both

Bran-dee Jelks-Ross and her husband, Eddie Ross are using their Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation to support survivors of domestic abuse.

— Quincy Moore

The idea of struggling to come up with content to keep students engaged with virtual arts on a daily basis was both a challenge and an opportunity for Allen. The answer laid the foundation for Muny U, a program that connects St. Louis area high school theater classes with industry-leading musical theater professionals from across the country through a virtual learning environment.

“Usually my programming starts from a place of what is good for the kids,” Allen said. “This time it was kind of reverse.”

Allen invited a Muny performer with Broadway experience to teach a master class for one of the teachers. She was able to provide an income opportunity for the artist, help teachers who might be struggling to come up with creative content and break up the monotony of the online learning experience for students.

The response was overwhelming. As the requests poured in, the seed for Muny U was planted.

Muny U is a part of the Muny’s Crawford Taylor Education Initiative. The website for Muny U launched last week. It features options from eight sections, nearly 30 instructors, including Broadway veterans and members of the Muny staff – including Allen.

More than 50 class options provide invaluable insight into

each step of the production process. Students can work alongside their teachers by jointly selecting guest artists and topics that cater to their specific classroom and theater education journey.

Allen said the website was created from a student-first perspective.

“It is really catering to the student,” Allen said of the site.

“The teacher can get with the class and they can all walk through the website together and look at the eight areas of putting on a show that we offer. Then they’ll choose the topic that pertains to them or what they are working on – or maybe what their weakest area is.”

Classes will begin in early December. Allen said the student buy-in for Muny U is everything.

“So many decisions have been taken out of their hands this year, I just wanted to give them something to be excited about,” said Allen. The idea of piercing untapped potential in students through the expansive programming – especially those who showcase the wide range of career options – excites Allen.

“More than anything, I want the kid who has been super intimidated to get on stage – maybe that is just not their thing and they think theater is just not for them because of that,” Allen said.

“After they talk with Kwofe [Coleman], the managing director who started out at the Muny as an usher, or they talk to the marketing department or they talk to the stage managers or the lighting

designers, students will see that there are so many other opportunities within this art form that go beyond just being on stage. That’s just one small component of it in this program – you are getting a 360-degree view of musical theatre.”

Allen came to the Muny in July 2019. She spent the second half of her first year at the helm of the Muny’s Education Department reimagining how the organization engages with school partners in the midst of a global pandemic.

“We are in unprecedented times and it calls for unprecedented programming,” Allen said. “It’s been a lot of adjusting and adapting on my part — but it has all been fun and definitely a learning experience. It’s been an upsidedown year for everyone, and we are all trying to figure it out as we go along.”

Allen says the sky’s the limit for Muny U.

“Because it’s online, we can do it anywhere. We can go to any high school classroom,” Allen said. “Obviously, St. Louis is our home, so the St. Louis region and Metro East is where we are starting. But we certainly don’t have to stop there.”

Muny U is open to any high school within a 50-mile radius of the Gateway Arch.

“I think the one good thing about this year is that we have all learned how to do everything online,” said Allen. “And while there are some drawbacks there are some great benefits to that.”

For more information about Muny U, visit https://muny.org/ munyu/

Kizz Q

Continued from B1

energy and same message to the knowledge that you have and apply it to your music,” Moore said.

With the current campaign of promoting “Pop Star,” Moore is now preparing to release his ‘Headlines’ EP next month featuring the smash single.

“I named the EP ‘Headlines,’ because I feel like at this point, I’ve elevated my artistry and my business — getting more in tune. “I felt like things were moving in a bigger and better way for me musically — especially linking with different producers, bigger producers and getting a team of people to help me get Sony on board. ‘Headlines’ was the perfect name.”

Moore’s music can be streamed on all music platforms.

Streetz 105.1 is an online hip-hop radio station founded by DJ Tab, who was the DJ in J-Kwon’s video for “Tipsy.” He’s since worked with various record labels including Universal/Motown and more. Listeners may stream the station via www.streetz105.1 or by downloading the Streetz 105.1 mobile app.

Continued from B1

Sharing love year-round

Since 2012, the Ross’ have donated an estimated $30,000 in gifts to women’s shelters throughout St. Louis, distributing “Love Packages,” a collection of personal hygiene products, positive affirmations, and a red rose.

Initially, the “Love” was shared on Valentine’s Day, but the couple have been able to do even more.

“We give out all-yearround,” Jelks-Ross said. “Last year between our Pathway to Brightness services for residency placement, along with our community services, we gave out about $300,000 worth of products in direct and indirect services.”

In addition to the focus on adults, the couple also operate the 2DEF Kids Program, which extends the organization’s mission to promoting physical, mental and emotional wellness, and academic achievement. The anchor is an anti-bullying component designed to help youngsters deal with anger. It also helps them navigate bullying by teaching them how to articulate feelings and, if necessary, self-defense techniques.

“We want them to manage whatever the conflict is,” JelksRoss said. “Conflict resolution doesn’t have to turn into a physical altercation, but at the same time, them being trained to defend themselves gives them the confidence to speak up and not allow themselves to be bullied.”

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 2DEF was able to start a tutoring program called Donate8. It uses students from local colleges and high schools, giving them the opportunity to

dedicate eight hours to tutor younger children in need of academic help.

“This whole virtual school thing is new for parents and their children,” Jelks-Ross said. “Everybody’s kind of struggling, so we’re there to assist the parent and the child.”

For 2021, 2Def plans to talk to youth about important topics: January, “Human Trafficking Prevention Month”;February, “Teen Dating Violence Awareness,” and “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month,” because the propensity for domestic violence can begin earlier than many realize.

“If we can stop the cycle at a young age, then we can hopefully not be dealing with this,” later. Jelks-Ross said. “That’s our mission for 2021; to really hit the youth with that.” For more information about 2DEF, visit https://www.2def. org/.

3x8

Kizz Q

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

See Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel without leaving St. Louis

By Barry Draper, Director of Partnership Services, Explore St. Louis

The wonders of the Vatican are front and center at America’s Center Convention Complex. Open now, the international touring exhibit, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, is an immersive journey through the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. It’s truly a sight to behold and will stay in St. Louis until January 10, 2021. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition transports visitors safely and responsibly to the Vatican, all while never leaving St. Louis. The exhibit covers nearly all of America’s Ballroom’s 27,625 square feet of space – allowing guests to marvel at one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements, Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes, up close and personal.

The exhibition takes its visitors back in time and up onto the scaffolding that was used during the restoration of the Sistine Chapel in the 1980s. The paintings in the Chapel had become covered in such a thick layer of dust and soot after almost 500 years that the brilliance of their original luminous colors had all but disappeared. It was not until the comprehensive restoration work carried out in the 1980s and 1990s that the true richness

of color in the wall and ceiling frescoes could once more be seen. The exhibition illustrates the restoration and allows guests to view the monumental paintings much closer than the usual 65 feet. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition brings an entirely new perspective to these works by Michelangelo, and acts as a work of art in its own right. With expertise and care, each restored ceiling fresco has been reproduced in its near original size using state-ofthe-art technology. Altogether, the exhibition features 34 displayed reproductions, including internationally recognized The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement. Guests who visit America’s Center will be overcome by the details of the art, the closeness to the picture, and the modern style of the exhibition.

Recently internationally recognized as a GBAC STAR Facility for its commitment to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment, America’s Center has health and safety protocols firmly in place, including but not limited to: temperature screenings for guests upon entry, mandatory use of face coverings, practicing of social distancing, and rigorous sanitization of all surfaces. Additionally, all visitors are required to move through the exhibit in pods, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful works of art at their

own pace.

Timed tickets on the hour are available to ensure capacity limits and social distancing. Hours of operation are Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m. Interpretive signs are available; audio devices with narrative accompaniment (in English or Spanish) are sold at the Box Office for $3 to curate each guest’s experience.

Tickets to the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition are on sale now at https://www.ticketmaster. com/americas-center-tickets-st-louis/venue/49735

Pricing (additional service charge and order fees apply):

Adults: $17.50

Military/Seniors: $13.50

Children ages 6-18: $10.50

Children under 6: FREE

Family 4 pack: $40.00

Groups of 10 or more: $10.00/ticket

Directions and Parking:

To enter the exhibit at America’s Center, guests are to use the Washington Ave. entrance. $5 self-parking is available at the US Bank Plaza Garage immediately across the street from the Washington Ave. entrance.

For more information on Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at America’s Center, please visit https:// explorestlouis.com/sistine.

Art Museum Invites You to New Virtual Programs

Saint Louis Art Museum continues to develop new and exciting virtual programs to engage audiences of all ages. The Wee Wednesdays online program encourages children ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers to explore, create, and grow as they discover new ways of interacting with art and each other. All video presentations begin with a Museum educator reading a book followed by a close look at works of art and then an art activity created from materials found in your home. Take this opportunity to explore works of art created many different artists including African American artists Allan Rohan Crite, Horace Pippin, and Kehinde Wiley. Visit slam. org, click the Learn tab and then the Families, Teens, and Youth tab to view videos anytime of the day. The Museum’s 30-minute Art Speaks virtual programs offer a new way for adults to learn more about the Museum’s collection. All Art

Speaks programs will take place via Zoom and are free, but preregistration is required. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions via the chat box at the end of each program. The capacity for live programs is limited. Visit slam.org/events to register. Earlier this month I hope that you tuned in for learn about works in the collection that connect to the musical Hamilton presented by Victoria McCraven, the Romare Bearden Fellow. Join us on Thursday, December 3 at noon, as Melissa Venator, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow for Modern Art, discusses the topic. Venator will explore the German Expressionist movement’s intriguing artists, international roots, and enduring legacy through the lens of paintings currently on view in the Museum’s permanent collection galleries and the exhibition Storm of Progress: German Art after 1800 from the Saint Louis Art Museum The exhibition brings together

120 works in chronological and thematic sections that explore key ideas and events from German art and history spanning national unification, industrialization, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War and its aftermath. Storm of Progress will be on view through February 28, 2021. On December 17 at noon, join Judy Mann, curator of European art to 1800, as she speaks about a marble sculpture’s fascinating history depicting the mythical half-man, half-goat creature named Pan. In addition to being a compelling work of art, the Reclining Pan sculpture has led a long and interesting life shaped by influential people. The marble started as part of a second-century Roman monument. Rediscovered in the Renaissance, an unknown sculptor working at the time of Michelangelo fashioned Pan’s figure, which was later purchased by one of the most powerful popes of the Baroque age.

Open now, the international touring exhibit, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, is an immersive journey through the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy.

The

Faith groups in St. Louis region continue virtual and social distanced services

By Marissanne LewisThompson St. Louis Public Radio

As coronavirus cases and deaths rise in the region, many faith groups will continue to offer virtual services.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, St. Louis County’s newest restrictions took effect, including a 25% occupancy limit on religious organizations. That’s down from 50%.

In Islam, like other faith groups, building community by getting together and praying is important, said Ghazala Hayat, the chairperson of the public affairs committee for the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. The foundation operates two mosques, Masjid Bilal in the Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis, and Daar-ul-Islam in west St. Louis County.

“A lot of people who are a little bit elderly said, ‘I’ll come, I’ll be fine,’” Hayat said. “And you understood where they were coming from. But you also had to make sure that they understood that there’s no way they’ll know that they’ll be fine, because of the way this virus spreads. So they have understood. And unfortunately since then, some community members did get affected by COVID. We lost a few people because of COVID.”

Because of the reality of the virus and the spike in cases, the foundation implemented its own guidelines in accordance with the county’s. People are encouraged not to come to Jumuah, or Friday prayer, if

they aren’t obligated to, are older than 65 or are experiencing symptoms. Those who do come have their temperatures taken, and they must wear masks, social distance and bring their own prayer rug. And the imam is conducting Khutbah — or ser-

vices via live stream.

While the shift has been a challenge, Hayat said leaders in the community continue to push the message that adhering to safety precautions doesn’t compromise a person’s faith.

“We are commanded to take care of our health and listen

to experts,” Hayat said. “And also most important, this way we are also protecting other people. That’s the basic tenet of our faith, that you have to protect other people. You cannot hurt anybody because of our actions.”

The Archdiocese of St. Louis

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis, holds marriage Bible study using the Zoom video chat service. The Rev. Gerard Bolling, in the upper right box, leads the discussion. With him is his wife, Lorenda Bolling.

Facebook photo used with permission from Bethlehem Lutheran Church

“We’ve obviously had some parishioners in congregations who’ve come down and tested positive and some clergy who’ve tested positive. But because of the way our restrictions have been set up, none of those turned into superspreader events.

“People are tired of virtual everything at this point,” Johnson said. “But the other part of it is that I think more people are recognizing that it allows us to be a lot more connected than we have been in the past.”

is following a similar plan. A statement from the archdiocese said Mass has reverted back to 25% capacity, while all other gatherings at Catholic churches in the city and county have been limited to 10. Parishioners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay home.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri also updated its guidelines in light of the county’s new restrictions. The diocese had already put a hold on large in-person church services, allowing only 10 people inside the church at a time to live stream the service, for in-person worship or for prayer.

Bishop Deon Johnson said shifting to virtual services and adhering to guidelines is paying off.

“We have had no significant congregations that have had outbreaks,” Johnson said.

Congregation Temple Israel, a synagogue in Creve Coeur, had closed off the building to the public early on in the pandemic. It had also put in place a task force, which meets on a regular basis, to reevaluate its own health guidelines, changes in the community and health guidelines put out by the county health department.

Senior Rabbi Amy Feder said while the latest guidelines won’t really change what’s already been established, the congregation will continue to follow all guidance in order to keep staff, children and the community at large safe. All worship services and classes are held on Zoom or live streamed. Feder said that while it has been an adjustment, many in her congregation are understanding.

The only time the synagogue has been open during the pandemic is for life cycle events including weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs. Guests have been limited to 20 people.

Sports

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Giving thanks for the guy I’ve watched more sports with than anyone on Earth

For the first time since moving back to St. Louis in 1995, it won’t be over the river and through the woods to my mom’s house for Thanksgiving. Actually, it’s a short drive across Kirkwood.

We’re playing it COVID-19 safe this year. We’ll see where we are at Christmas. In the meantime, there is so much to be thankful for. Family, friends and faith are in abundance in the Reid’s lives

We are, have been and will be blessed. I want to share thanks also for a very important guy in my life. Riley, our yellow Labrador retriever. Riley was a first-round draft pick from the Kansas City area, selected by the Reid family on Nov. 24, 2007. He traveled across Missouri on that Saturday with the family of breeders that owned him. My wife, Carmen, is a friend of one of their daughters. About two weeks prior, she asked Carmen if our family would like a pure bred AKC Lab. Our daughters were 8 and 6 at the time, so this was, and is, a perfect family dog.

Before he joined the girls in their bedroom where his crate awaited, I picked him up and put him on the sofa next to me (covered in towels as he was not totally housebroken). We proceeded to watch a football game.

But this wasn’t just any football game. This was No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 4 Missouri in a night game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The night before, No. 1 LSU lost in triple overtime to Arkansas.

The winner would now advance to the Big 12 Championship game in San Antonio a week later and face Oklahoma. The Sooners handed Mizzou its only loss earlier that season with a late comeback. Whoever won this game then beat Oklahoma, they would be No. 1 and play for the national championship.

KU fell behind early but battled back to make it a 6-point game late in the fourth quarter. KU got the ball back, but quarterback Todd Reesing was sacked for a safety and Missouri won 36-28. A photo of Reesing with a clump of grass stuck in his facemask still haunts me.

Let’s revisit high school biology for a few moments. In the genetics unit, we learned that sometimes the Xx’s and Yy’s can throw a chromosome curve ball.

The breeders raised chocolate Labs. Rarely, a litter of another color can be born from chocolate parents. Riley is one of those oddities. There is irony in a darker dog being expected. With no expectation to show or breed yellow Labs, a lighter dog ended up with a Black family.

We met Riley at the Boone Crossing parking lot in Chesterfield. Love at first sight - for a couple of folks who wanted to buy him or one of his siblings on the spot. We arrived a few minutes later and he officially became our dog. He whizzed on me the first time I picked him up. His way of saying he liked us too, I guess.

After a day of gleeful play with the girls, following his trip that morning, Riley settled down for his first night of sleep in his new home.

I was crushed! This proud Jayhawk, who had worked on the equipment staff for the football team when I attended KU, would have been inconsolable for a day or two. But there was Riley next to me. I just couldn’t be sad with this cute puppy next to me. This was the first of thousands of games we have shared. Once he was large enough, he got his first KU dog collar. He also sports Dallas Cowboys collars, as well.

The following Monday at the St. Louis American, COO Kevin Jones had masterminded one of the best practical jokes in joke history.

He had purchased a Missouri shirt for everyone on the staff. And they were wearing them when I walked in. He also had copies of newspaper stories and photos everywhere in the office. I couldn’t escape.

A week later, Riley and I got the last laugh. Oklahoma would hammer Missouri in the Big 12 Champion game 38-17 on

December 1. The Orange Bowl was now the prize that both KU and Mizzou wanted since neither would play in the BCS title game.

Lew Perkins, KU’s athletic director, had wired a certified check to the Orange Bowl Committee literally seconds after the Tigers’ loss. It covered the purchase of all seats allotted to KU and hotel rooms - should the Jayhawks have the honor of playing in the game.

Money talks. KU got the Orange Bowl. Mizzou was sent to the Cotton Bowl.

Riley took a car ride with me to Schnucks and while he waited in our Volvo station wagon with the girls, I bought 30 Sunkist oranges. I shared one with him.

Everyone, including Kevin, got one the next day.

KU won the Orange Bowl over Virginia Tech, by the way.

Three months later, Riley and I celebrated KU’s basketball national championship victory over Memphis in overtime. Throughout the tournament I joined fellow Jayhawk fans at

the now-closed SportsZone in Shrewsbury near the city border.

I didn’t watch with Riley, but I had recorded the game and we watched it in the early hours of the next day - and about 50 times over the next week.

We’re still waiting for the Cowboys to reach the Super Bowl. He’ll most likely have to wait until he’s 14 for that to happen - probably longer. It has been a great 13 years with my guy. And there will be so many more games to watch.

Thank you, Dr.

I want to thank Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University and chair of the NCAA Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity (NCPCD), for reaching out to me to clarify something in my SportsEye published last week.

According to Lombardi, his committee “wholeheartedly endorsed the Russell Rule as a best practice and sent letters to every commissioner in the

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

NCAA advocating it.” I incorrectly wrote it took no action. He said the committee “will work tirelessly” to get the NCAA to adopt it.

In addition, the Great Lakes Valley Conference, of which Maryville is a member, voted unanimously to adopt it.

“Maryville, as an institution, has operated with the same hiring approach as the Russell Rule even before it was created,” said Lombardi.

In August, the West Coast Conference adopted the “Bill Russell Rule” which requires member schools to “include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach position.” Russell is a former San Francisco Don and his alma mater is now a WCC member.

A Vatican visit

The outgoing POTUS can’t stand the NBA and its players, but the Pope has high praise for its dedication to social justice.

Pope Francis met with NBA players at the Vatican on Monday, lauding them as “champions” and saying he supported their work on social justice.

NBA players Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver and Anthony Tolliver were members of a delegation that met with Pope Francis at The Vatican in Rome on Monday, where he called them “champions.”

“You’re champions,” the pope said.

“But also giving the example of teamwork, you’ve become a model, giving that good example of teamwork but always remaining humble ... and preserving your own humanity.”

“We’re here because, frankly, we’re inspired by the work that you do globally,” Roberts told the pope during the meeting. Brown told the Pope how he, Korver, and other members of Milwaukee Bucks decided to sit out a playoff game against Orlando in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“It was raw and emotional for our team,” Brown told the pope. We are extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis,” Korver said. “His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.”

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist –Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

DeSmet vies for Class 6 states championship

When Robert Steeples took over as the head football coach at DeSmet, his alma mater was near the bottom of the St. Louis hierarchy on the gridiron. Things have certainly changed at DeSmet as Steeples has the Spartans looking for back-to-back state championships in the state of Missouri. After defeating Joplin for the Class 6 state championship last season, the Spartans are right back in the state championship game once again. DeSmet will take on Raymore-Peculiar on Saturday afternoon for the Class 6 state championship at Jefferson City High. Kick-off is schedule at 1 p.m. The Spartans are taking a 20-game winning streak into Saturday’s state title game.

This will also be a rematch of last year’s state semifinals, when DeSmet went on the road

to defeat Ray-Pec 37-0 en route to winning the state championship. The Spartans’ offense is fueled by its punishing ground attack that features its trio of Division I running backs, Rico Barfield, Taj Butts and Darez Snider. Quarterback Seth Marcione has also emerged as a solid dual-threat offensive player.

While the Spartans offense has been strong, it has been the defense that has been lights out during the postseason. In their last two games, the Spartans have given up just seven points, including last Friday’s 13-0 shutout of Fox in the state semifinals. Despite missing several key starters, the Spartans forced four turnovers and held the Warriors to just 179 yards of total offense. Senior defensive lineman

Mekhi Wingo is a dominant force and the anchor of the Spartans’ defensive front. Wingo, a Mizzou recruit and senior Donovan Whitfield were very stout up front as they combined for 16 tackles. Junior Kaleb Purdy had a big interception to halt a Fox drive while seniors Jordan Calvin and Denver Parker also had big games. Raymore-Peculiar punched its ticket to this weekend’s Show-Me Bowl with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over Liberty North in the state semifinals. The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Conrad Hawley, a 6’5” 220pound athlete who has thrown for well over 2,000 yards this season.

State Semifinals on Tap

Earl Austin Jr.

Here is this schedule for this weekend’s state football semifinal games involving teams from the St. Louis metro area. Including DeSmet, there are currently five area teams that are still alive in the state playoffs.

Class 5 Jackson at Fort Zumwalt North, Friday, 7 p.m. Platte County at Webb City, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 4 Union at MICDS, Saturday, 1 p.m. Helias at Smithville, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 3 Blair Oaks at Cardinal Ritter, Saturday, 1 p.m. Maryville at Cassville, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 2 Jefferson at Lamar, Saturday, 3 p.m. Palmyra at St. Pius X, Saturday, 2 p.m.

State Quarterfinals

Individual Standouts

• Senior quarterback T.J. Atkins of Cardinal Ritter passed for 440 yards and seven touchdowns in the Lions 45-7 victory over Kennett in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

• Junior quarterback Reagan Andrew completed 12 of 18 passes for 238 yards and five touchdowns in the Rams 48-34 victory over Hannibal in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

• Senior linebacker Jayen Pace of MICDS had two interceptions in the Rams 48-34 victory over Hannibal in the Class 4 state quarterfinals.

• Senior quarterback Jack Newcomb of Fort Zumwalt North rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ 35-14 victory over Battle in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

• Junior receiver Luther Burden of Cardinal Ritter had seven receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 45-7 victory over Kennett in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

Alvin A. Reid

Alvin Reid with his yellow Labrador retriever Riley.

PRESIDENT

St. Joseph’s Academy in Frontenac, Missouri, a private all-girl high school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet invites applicants for the position of President. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, inspirational, and visionary leader who is a practicing Catholic, values education and is also committed to the mission and core values of the school.

For more information and to apply for this position, visit https:www.sjasearch.org Equal Opportunity Employer

Committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Deadline to be considered for the position is December 15th, 2020.

MUNICIPAL SERVICE FOREMAN I

The City of Clayton is hiring for a Municipal Service Foreman I— Public Works. Apply by 12/06/20: https://claytonmo. applicantpro.com/jobs/ EOE

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS

REINSURANCE ACCOUNTANT

Maintenance of Independent Senior Multifamily Housing Facility. Daytime/Weekdays

Preferred but not required experience working in HUD housing facility. Send resume to: cmcrvillage2@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The ST. LOUIS AREA AGENCY ON AGING (SLAAA) is seeking bids for the FY 2022 Senior Program (Catering and All Aging Services) within the City of St. Louis. The Bid packet will be released at 9:00am on Monday, Nov 30, 2020. It may be downloaded from the SLAAA Website (www.SLAAA.org) or picked up at SLAAA, 1520 Market St., Rm 4065, St. Louis, 63103.

There will be optional pre-bid conferences at 1:30pm on Wed, Dec 16, 2020 (Caterers) and at 1:30pm on Thu, Dec 17, 2020 (All Services). These will be ZOOM sessions. The ZOOM link will be posted on the SLAAA website. Individuals may call 314-657-1669 for assistance.

The City of St. Louis reserves the right to accept or reject any and all responses, waive any technicalities, or to cancel this request in part, or in its entirety.

Inc.

and

Qualified subcontracting opportunities in

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF ALDERMEN REQUEST

FOR PROPOSAL

–PROP S YOUTH AT RISK PROGRAMS

The Public Safety Committee of the Board of Aldermen has approximately $950,000 available to award in calendar year 2021 for programs designed to prevent crimes perpetrated by youth in the City of St. Louis. The Committee is seeking proposals from qualified not-forprofit organizations to serve at-risk youth in the 11 to 24 year-old demographic. For the purposes of this RFP, crime prevention programs are defined as those programs that, either on an individual or group level, work to reduce the likelihood of youth involvement in criminal activity. An award range from $15,000 to $200,000 has been established for proposals submitted pursuant to this RFP. Please note the application will be online. Applicants may find the online submission page through the following link: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/youth-at-risk/

For questions please contact Brian Champion, Department of Public Safety, at ChampionB@stlouis-mo.gov

Proposals must be received by 4:00pm CST Monday, December 14, 2020.

To ensure that the daily tasks required to perform ceded and assumed reinsurance and program accounting are completed accurately and timely. Responsible for claims payment funds for Large Casualty claims and Large Primary Workers Compensation over the SIR and AGG limits. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

BIDS & NOTICES

(www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

are not limited to, the selective demolition and rehabilitation of the Louisa and Arsenal pump stations including bypass pumping, wastewater pump replacements, conditioning pumps, process piping/valves and equipment, sitework, structural, architectural, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and instrumentation and control as described in the Contract Documents and shown on the Drawings.

Tarlton is soliciting bids for Asbestos Abatement, Bypass Pumping, Demolition Work, Masonry Work, Steel, Manlifts, Instrumentation, Hoisting Equipment, Pumps, Fencing Work, Doors Frames & Hardware, Coatings, Joint Sealants Work, Plumbing Work, Mechanical Work, Electrical Work, and Basket Screens.

Tarlton will hold its virtual prebid via Teams on December 1, 2020 at 9 a.m.

Interested parties should contact Steve Cronin at SGCronin@tarltoncorp.com or 314.633.3300.

Meeting link and call-in information is show below: call in (audio only) +1 347-991-7932,,547602349# United States, New York City

Phone Conference ID: 547 602 349#

Subbids are due at 12 p.m. on December 9, 2020. These may be emailed to bids@tarltoncorp.com. Any questions, please contact Steve Cronin at 314.633.3315 or SGCronin@tarltoncorp.com

Link to

Responsible for underwriting and development of multi-line public entity new and renewal business as part of the Safety National Public Entity Practice. Territorial underwriting and development of business to align with geographic office location as much as possible, but may include National presence as management need arises. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids for the LaunchCode Techforce Center renovation project will be received by LaunchCode (the Owner) at the offices of Rise Community Development, 1627 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103, until 10:00 a.m. (prevailing central time) on Friday, January 15, 2021 and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 12:00 p.m. (prevailing central time) on Friday, January 15, 2021. All bidders are encouraged to attend the sealed bid opening via Zoom: www.risestl.org/lcsb

In-person attendees of the sealed bid opening will be limited to one attendee per bidder. Attendees will be required to wear masks.

The project consists of renovating the LaunchCode Techforce Center building located at 4811 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108. The building was constructed in the late 1980s, is one story in height, and approximately 14,700 square feet in size. The Scope of work includes but is not limited to the following items: complete interior renovation with addition of a 3,465 SF mezzanine, along with select exterior improvements and optional occupiable roof terrace.

A representative of LaunchCode will be at 4811 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108 on December 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. for a pre-bid conference walk through and to answer any questions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the walk through will be limited to two representatives for each prospective bidder and masks will be required. Prospective bidders who attend the pre-bid meeting will be permitted to schedule additional walk throughs with subcontractors following the pre-bid meeting.

Plans and contract documents will be available for a minimum of 30 days commencing on November 26, 2020 for download from Cross Rhodes: https://www.sldcplanroom.com/ Hard copies may be purchased directly from Cross Rhodes.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Webster Groves is accepting sealed bids for the Webster Groves Fire House No. 2. Bids will be accepted at Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119, until 2:00 p.m. on December 22, 2020 and then opened publicly. Bidders shall submit two copies of bid proposal in sealed envelope clearly marked on outside of envelope: BID – Webster Groves Fire House No. 2.

Bid documents can be obtained at:

Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies

1712 Macklind Ave.

St. Louis MO 63110

Phone: 314-678-0087

Access digital files. Plan holder list, and addendums at: https://www.x-rhodesplanroom.com

Not less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages shall be paid to all workmen performing under this contract in this area according to the rates determined by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of the State of Missouri.

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any irregularities in the best interest of the Owner.

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents are to be submitted by email to the following person and should include in the subject line “Webster Groves Fire House No. 2 – Bid Question(s)”. The questions shall include the specific area of work (such as “Sewer Work”), the drawing page number and/or the specification section. This will help in the distribution of the questions to the appropriate designer.

Send Questions to:

Matt Nigh

Navigate Building Solutions

Email: matt@navigatebuildingsolutions.com.

Questions/clarifications requested by the bidders must be received by Navigate Building Solutions by email not less than 5 days prior to receipt of bids. The reply will be in the form of an addendum.

Pre-bid will occur at site on December 8, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions the pre-bid meeting for this project we be held in three (3) smaller groups limited to a maximum of ten (10) participants per time slot. This pre-bid meeting is not mandatory for submission of a proposal on this project but, highly recommended. To reserve a space in one of the following timeslots contact Matt Nigh with Navigate Building Solutions.

Matt Nigh

Navigate Building Solutions

Email: matt@navigatebuildingsolutions.com.

Pre-Bid Meeting Dates / Times:(Contact Matt Nigh) to reserve your space and for location of this meeting)

Group “A”: December 8 - 11:00 am

Group “B”: December 8 - Noon

Group “C”: December 8 - 1:00 pm

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Emergency Financial Assistance –Prescription Eyeglasses. . Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2020, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. Contact Tanya Madden for questions: maddent@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 2021, by 4:00 P.M. at 1520 Market Street – Lobby, St. Louis, MO 63103. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

St. Louis County Department of Human Services HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT FY20 EMERGENCY SOLUTION GRANT CV-1 FUNDING

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Medical Case Management Services.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2020, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. Contact Tanya Madden for questions: maddent@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 2021, by 4:00 P.M. at 1520 Market Street – Lobby, St. Louis, MO 63103. The Department of Health reserves the right to

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services, Homeless Services Program, is seeking proposals for the Housing Urban Development FY20 Emergency Solution Grant CV-1 (Corona Virus) funding. The total funding available is $1,703.217.00

These special ESG-CV-1 funds are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance; and to support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on December 7, 2020. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https://stlouiscountymo.gov/services/ request-for-bids-and-proposals/

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Webster Groves School District at the District Service Center Building, 3232 South Brentwood Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119, until WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 BY 2 P.M. CDT for the Webster Groves High School Baseball Field Dugouts. Bids will be opened publicly at that time.

Drawings and specifications for this project will be available starting November 23rd at the office of the Architect, Hoener Associates, Inc., 6707 Plainview Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, (314) 781-9855, FAX (314) 781-0163 and will also be available on the Webster Groves School Districts website under the heading need to know – quick links: RFP/RFQ. Information as to bidding instructions and requirements for procuring bidding documents may be obtained from the Architect. Not less than the prevailing hourly wage rates, as determined by the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, shall be paid all workers employed on this project. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive technicalities, to select any contractor filing a proposal, and to reject any or all bids.

A PRE-BID meeting will be conducted 10:00 am on November 30th 2020 at the Webster Groves High School Baseball Parking lot which is located off Bradford Avenue between Selma Avenue and Big Bend Blvd.

By: Mr. Rob Steuber Construction Project Manager

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

LET’S KEEP IT UP LET’S ALL #MASKUP

As some of the most trusted hospitals in the nation, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #maskup. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.

St. LouiS AmericAn

Takes over as Ethical Society of Police president

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis

Police

Sgt. Donnell Walters has watched his cousin, Detective Sgt. Heather Taylor, lead the Ethical Society of Police for more than five-and-a-half years. But now, it’s his turn to take the wheel and steer the association forward as it advocates for racial and gender equality in policing.

“My vision for the Ethical Society is nothing different than what Heather has already established,” he told The St. Louis American. “I just hope to carry on and keep fighting the good fight that she started and that’s really

my ultimate goal.” ESOP was founded in 1972 and is an association of more than 300 police officers, park rangers and civilians that advocates for racial and gender equity in law enforcement.

Taylor’s term as the association’s president ran from February 2015 until October 2020, when she retired from the Metropolitan Police Department of St. Louis and ESOP.

Walters works in the department’s Community Engagement and Recruiting Unit. His experience there, he said, lends itself well

First responders don’t hesitate to answer when called

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Firefighters, paramedics and police officers join nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and other health care and essential workers who are continuing their duties throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Yet some of these heroes of the front lines have not gone unscathed.

“As the numbers go up in the community, we’ve seen ours go up as well, particularly after Halloween, we had an uptick in the number of firefighters and paramedics and EMTs affected by COVID-19,” said Capt. Garon Mosby, St. Louis Fire Department spokesman.

“It hasn’t hampered our ability to provide services, although we have seen — as we see an uptick in the numbers, we see an uptick in the amount of overtime that is used to make sure that we’re still responding and that all the companies have remained open.

“After Halloween, our members engaged with the community. We had members who were passing out candy, and that might have been one of the causes for the uptick on our side as well.”

See COVID, A6

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.

‘Timing is everything’

Louis American

A Florissant couple will take their place in Missouri history when they are sworn in for the legislative session that begins Jan. 8, 2021. Rep. Jay Mosley will begin his third term in the House presenting the 68th District, which covers parts of Florissant and Black Jack. His wife, Angela Walton Mosley, will join him in the Capitol Jefferson City, serving in the Senate. Both Mosleys are Democrats in a super-majority Republican legislature. Walton Mosley’s 13th District in the Senate covers the

The Mosleys head to Jefferson City

northernmost communities in north St. Louis County. Historic in its own right, it will be the first time the 13th Senate district in Missouri is represented by a Black person. Serving in politics is part of WaltonMosley’s family tradition. Her father, sister, husband, brother-inlaw and late stepmother have served in the Missouri legislature. However, timing and family obligations were important factors in the couple’s

decisions to represent the community.

“Angela was supposed to run first, actually. She was originally going to run for the House seat and she didn’t want to lose her seniority at work,” Mosely said. That was in 2016.

“So, he decided that he would run, which turned out to work out okay,” Walton Mosely said of her husband.

“Also, the main reason I didn’t want to run was because the kids were still in

school, so, I wanted to wait until they graduated. ... my last child graduated this past May.”

In 2020, it was Jay Mosley who was asked to run for an open Senate seat made available by term limits, but the timing did not work for him.

“He didn’t want to run, and I was like, ‘I’ll do it. I’ll run. I’m ready now,’” Walton Mosley said. “My kids will be all graduated and going off to college.”

While it is somewhat unusual for first-time politicians to run for the Senate, it happens. Barack Obama did it in 2004,

See MOSLEYS, A7

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

With the news that Mayor Lyda Krewson will not seek a second term in the April mayoral election, all eyes are on who will be running to replace her.

Lewis Reed

Candidates on Monday began filing to enter the race to become the next mayor of the city of St. Louis. The primary election will be held March 2. The general election will be held April 6. This election will look different from those in the past because of the passage of Proposition D in the city on Nov 3. Voters should expect primary ballots to be nonpartisan; they will be asked to choose as many candidates as they approve of in each race, regardless of party affiliation.

The two candidates with the most votes will then face off in the general election. Proposition D affects elections for mayor, comptroller, Board of Alderman president and aldermen..

In order to file to run for mayor a person must meet these qualifications: be a citizen of the United States for five years; be a St. Louis resident; be at least 30 years old; be an assessed taxpayer in St. Louis for two years; and have no convictions of malfeasance in office, bribery or other corrupt practice or crime. Candidates must also have a petition signed by 1,170 registered voters in St. Louis, (2% of the votes cast in the 2017 mayoral race), pay a $1,318.20 fee and file a statement of tax clearance.

The last day to file for the 2021 mayoral race is Jan. 4. Board of Elections Democratic Director Benjamin Borgmeyer said the morning was slower than expected when it came to candidates coming in to file for races, but he chalked it up to the new nonpartisan signature requirement, which may slow the process down a bit for candidates.

Following are the candidates who have announced they plan to run for mayor.

Lewis Reed

In a tweet Sunday, Reed said his campaign had gathered 2,000 signatures in less than 48 hours to allow him to file to run for mayor.

“You’ve now given me everything I need to go down tomorrow and file for office to be the next mayor of the city of St. Louis,” he said in a video attached to the tweet. “And I am clear and sure with all of your support and more we are going to get there.”

Reed currently serves as the president of the Board of Aldermen. He is a Democrat who represented the 6th Ward, from 1999 until 2007, which is the year he assumed the presidency. The 6th Ward covers all or parts of several central/south St. Louis neighborhood, including Compton Heights, Lafayette Square, Midtown, Peabody Darst Webbe and Tower Grove East.

Reed ran unsuccessfully for mayor of the city in the primary election in 2017 against several opponents and the votes were drastically divided. Krewson won with 32.04% of the vote, less than two percentage points separating her from Tishaura

St. Louis Fire Captain Wayman Brown watches as EMT LaTaira Fraizer, firefighter Clyde Brooks, firefighter Marcel St. Pierre and Laticha Vaughn, paramedic crew chief, rush a motor vehicle accident victim to a waiting EMS truck after a vehicle collided with a Metro bus at Jefferson and Carr avenues, on Monday.

Photo by Wiley Price

Dana Kelly

Cara Spencer

Tishaura Jones

St. Louis police officer Brandon Johnson (left) talks with Sgt. Donnie Walters, the new president of the Ethical Society of Police president, and officer Tonya Rodman at the intersections of Whitier and Cook Ave. Sgt.

Photo by Wiley Price

Jay and Angela Mosley

Nelly as Chuck Berry

Nelly, the Grammy winning rapper and St. Louis’ homegrown Dancing With the Stars favorite, has another role lined up after the DWTS finals. Nelly, a.k.a. Cornell Haynes, will portray another St. Louis son, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry, in an upcoming Buddy Holly -inspired biopic, “Clear Lake.” Keep your dancing shoes, Nelly, it’s time to trade in the Paso Doble and the Jive for a guitar and the Duckwalk.

‘The Fresh Prince’ and ‘Aunt Viv’ finally make up

was offered a bad contract that she refused to accept. However, being labeled “difficult to work with” because of her feud with Smith crippled her ability to get acting roles, and she “lost everything.”

Prayers up for

Sinbad as he recovers from a stroke

Talking about holding a grudge like it was Social Security number: After 27 years of not speaking to one another, actors Janet Hubert and Will Smith talk it out, apologize and end their feud from when she played the character “Vivian Banks” on “The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air.” It was part of a Nov. 18 Fresh Prince reunion special that aired on HBO Max on Nov. 18. Hubert said she was never fired from the cast; rather, she

The family of 64-year-old comedian and actor David Adkins, known as Sinbad, said he is recover ing from a recent stroke. In a state ment reported by Variety, the family said in part, “Sinbad is a light source of love and joy for many genera tions. While he is beginning his road to recovery, we are faith ful and optimistic that he will bring laughter into our hearts soon. Our family thanks you in advance for your love and support and ask for continued prayers for his healing.”

Cardi B is Billboard’s Woman of the Year

Having her fourth #1 record on the Billboard Hot 100, being a viral dance video and streaming sensation, and her political activism are reasons why Cardi B is Billboard’s Woman of the Year. In addition to talon-sharp clap backs for haters who thought they had something to say about her worthiness for the honor, the W.A.P. rapper posted on Instagram, “Thank you Billboard! Now I can bring up the stats but that will take me all day … B**** broke records! Thank you BARDIGANG without y’all encouraging while the world … was against me and criticizing every move I wouldn’t have gotten here everyday and use my voice for a change.” She and other female phenoms of the industry will be honored at the Billboard Women in Music event on Dec. 10.

Bobby

Brown Jr. dies at age 28

Tragedy again strikes the family of singer Bobby Brown as his son, 28-yearold Bobby Brown Jr was found dead on Nov. 18 at his home in the Los Angeles area. TMZ says

the family said he was not feeling well in days leading up to his death, and he did not have COVID. Police told TMZ no drugs were found at the scene, they would conduct a toxicology test, and there were no signs of foul play. His father said, “Please keep my family in your prayers at this time. Losing my son at this point in our lives has devastated my family. There are no words to explain the pain.” In 2015, Brown’s daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown died at age 22 of pneumonia, after being in a coma six months following a drug overdose.

Michael B. Jordan is People’s 2020 Sexiest Man Alive

Actor Michael B. Jordan was selected as People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2020. The 33-year-old, who starred in “Just Mercy,” “Black Panther” and “Creed” first appeared on People’s radar in 2013 when he was featured in its first-ever “Ones to Watch.” Jordan is an excellent selection. However, my pandemic pick, since N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo is taking the Emmy, is none other than Dr. Anthony Fauci!

Sources: Billboard, Buzzfeed, E!, Hollywood Life, Instagram, People, Prix Productions, TMZ, Variety

Sinbad

Janet Hubert

Days hires Chappelle-Nadal as executive assistant

By Dana Rieck of The St. Louis American

St. Louis County

Councilwoman Rita Heard

Days has tapped Maria Chappelle-Nadal, a Democratic state representative from University City, to be her executive assistant.

This comes as ChappelleNadal exits her role as a state representative for the 86th District, which covers parts of north St. Louis County, roughly bounded by I-170, St. Charles Rock Road, North Skinker Parkway and Delmar Boulevard.

Chappelle-Nadal can no longer serve as a state legislator due to mandated term limits.

“I knew that I wanted to continue in public service and I just didn’t know how I was going to it,” she said in an

interview. Before her most recent term, Chappelle-Nadal served in the 72nd House District from 2005 to 2011. She was then elected to the Missouri State Senate, succeeding Days in 2010. She served for two terms, totalling eight years.

Chappelle-Nadal replaces Courtney Curtis, who began working as Days’ executive assistant in September 2019. Curtis is a former state rep who pleaded guilty to federal crimes that include spending more than $40,000 of citizens’ money donated for the purposes of a 2016 campaign on things like hotel rooms and rent bills.

Days represents the county’s District 1, which includes the northern part of University City, north to Hazelwood and east to Moline Acres and Jennings.

Former New

The councilwoman said she and Chappelle worked together for a number of years and she has come to appreci-

York

Mayor Dinkins dies

unrest as well as the first terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.

Former New York Mayor David Dinkins died. He was 93. He was the first, and still the only, Black mayor, of New York City. His wife of 67 years, Joyce Dinkins, died six weeks ago. Dinkins was mayor during a turbulent time in New York City history that saw the trial of the Central Park Five, racial

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1927, Dinkins served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He graduated from Howard University in 1950 with a degree in mathematics and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later earned his law degree from Brooklyn Law School in 1956.

Dinkins was elected to the New York State Assembly, served as president of the New York City Board of Elections, and was elected Manhattan Borough resident. In a tweet, mayoral candidate Maya Wiley reflected of Dinkins’ legacy.

“This is a big loss! In the end we will celebrate a full life of history-making and heart. For now we just cry.”

ate her work. So when Days found out she would be done with her time in the legislature in December, she knew she

wanted her to come on board as her executive assistant.

“She is a very smart, dedicated and committed public servant,” Days said. “...I have admired her tenacity of getting to the bottom of issues. And so I’m just absolutely ecstatic that we’re going to be working together.”

“[Days] came to me and requested that I work for her,”

Chappelle-Nadal told The St. Louis American. “And I was truly humbled by that because she’s an extraordinary woman and I just want to be of service to her — but I was also really excited about serving the people I’ve represented for the last 16 years in the legislature.”

About a week into her new role, Chappelle-Nadal says she’s been taking time to listen to the people in District 1.

“I am doing a lot of listen-

ing, because there are people who are calling the office and they’re expressing their concerns and their challenges. And so it is my obligation and our duty as an office to be responsive to the needs of residents here in the first district.”

Chappelle-Nadal said Days is focusing on a list of issues affecting county residents right now, including CARES Act funding for minority-owned businesses, mental health services and services for senior citizens and disabled residents.

“This is so exciting, I get to continue my service to the same people who I’ve been representing for such a long time,” she said. “And I can’t say more than it’s exciting to have a front row seat and still be of service.”

Rita Heard-Days Maria Chappelle-Nadal New

David Dinkins

Editorial / CommEntary

Giving thanks — and standing strong

The Ga people of Ghana, West Africa, begin a celebration in August that continues as a monthlong thanksgiving known as Ga Homowo — the Harvest Festival. Many ethnic groups in Ghana and all over Africa have similar traditions.

Ceremonies and rituals vary, but the purpose is the same — remembering lean times, being thankful for present blessings, and praying for future abundance.

There are no written documents to account for the origin of Homowo. But, according to traditional stories, the Ga people emigrated from the Middle East and descended throughout the Sahara to Benin City in Nigeria. They settled there for a time before relocating to Accra, some time between the 14th and 16th centuries.

Legends say the Ga had only a bit of corn and palm oil when they landed, which women ground and mixed together to make kpokpoi. After the men caught fish, the clan enjoyed their first meal after landing — kpokpoi and fish soup.

widely discussed anymore. The holiday has come to mean turkey and the trimmings, pre-Christmas sales and football. The history of the brutal process used by Europeans to dispossess the original people of their land is not pretty. And now it is almost completely ignored.

In Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad had Marlowe define the “conquest of the Earth” as “taking from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves.”

In both sub-Saharan Africa and North America, the native people were mostly cooperative in the early days of European arrival. Nevertheless, conquest and colonization ensued later on both sides of the Atlantic.

The immigrants planted millet and corn seeds they had brought with them. Then, they endured a long, lean waiting period while crops matured. When the harvest came, the Ga held a feast and gave thanks to their gods. The first celebration became the Hom Yi Womo, meaning a “hooting at hunger.”

Thanksgiving began in the United States in the 17th century as a celebration, a friendly coming-together of European settlers and the indigenous people of North America. The Native Americans had welcomed the Pilgrims to this land and shared the vast knowledge they had about the continent’s flora and fauna. They explained planting corn and plowing and taught the newcomers trapping and fishing.

According to tradition, both peoples slaughtered turkeys and made dressing and had a version of cranberry sauce at the first Thanksgiving. They feasted together. During those tough early days for the newcomers, Native Americans extended their hands and opened their hearts. Their hospitality and support helped Europeans survive in an unfamiliar land.

We know of the bitter and bloody relationship that developed when conquest and colonization replaced the spirit of sharing and cooperation. The vicious assault on Native Americans is not

As

Urban League works to insure virus vaccine is safe and equitably distributed

By Marc Morial National Urban League

This week, just as the nation reached the tragic milestone of more than a quarter-million deaths from the coronavirus, the Centers for Disease Control revealed that Black, Latino, and Native American people are being hospitalized at nearly four times the rate of whites.

Although some of us of African descent in this country now enjoy modest affluence, the overall status of our people must be defined largely in terms of the marginalized and less fortunate.

For those without jobs, without hope or dignity in the troubled neighborhoods of St. Louis or the squalor of Soweto or Port-au-Prince, Thanksgiving can be meaningless and is certainly no holiday. It is mostly a grim reminder of misery and powerlessness.

African Americans should not forget the early occasion that brought this particular holiday into existence in this country. We must dedicate ourselves to remember the “least among us” in a society that has effectively shut out so many of our people. Indeed, we are especially obligated to support policies and initiatives that strengthen family life and enable the poor to share in the nation’s bounty.

That is more true than ever, while there remains an overtly racist, misogynist, hate-mongering U.S. president who frequently stands with white nationalists and white supremacists, not to mention hostile foreign powers, while undermining and abandoning many of this nation’s strongest, most productive and protective alliances.

Let us all give thanks for what blessings we have — and commit ourselves to resisting resurgent white nationalism and white male supremacy and working toward a future of a new presidential administration that will help us move toward greater racial equity, where blessings are more equitably shared.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Is America a failed state?

By Mike Jones

St. Louis American

For The

The title of former President Barack Obama’s memoir is “Promised Land,” and in a recent Atlantic Magazine he explained his reason for the title was he was not willing to give up on the American project. Despite his brilliance, his choice of the title and the Atlantic quote represents an example of hope over experience.

In his review of the former president’s memoir, CNN commentator Fareed Zaharia wrote,”Obama talks about these hysterical reactions to him intelligently but briefly, never offering deep analysis or passionate anger.

“He admits he wasn’t focused on the ominous undercurrents that were growing in strength, writing ‘My team and I were too busy,’ But it might also be that it would take him into deep and dark waters that are so different from the hopeful, optimistic country he so plainly wants to believe in. America remains for him a promised land.”

If America feels broken, that’s because it is broken. It would not be unreasonable for a rational objective observer to conclude that America is what political science calls a failing state, if not a failed state. The first responsibility of any society or its government is the health and safety of the citizens or members of that society. The inability or unwillingness to fulfill this responsibility represents an existential failure.

In January of this year the world became the captive of a novel coronavirus pandemic. The United States with the most advanced economy in the world, the most sophisticated and advanced medical and scientific infrastructure on the planet, should have been able to mitigate and weather a pandemic.

But as of this writing America is averaging nearly 200,000 new daily infections, with more than 8 million people having become infected and more than 250,000 having died. The economic devastation mirrors the human. About 80 years ago, approximately one healthy lifetime, the country would withstand 13 years of economic devastation, the Great Depression; and for four of those years also fight World War II, ultimately prevailing against two formidable adversaries. Less than 25 years after that war, the United States landed a man on the surface of the moon.

Now the United States is a country composed of people who feel put upon if they have to wear a mask in public and maintain social distancing to protect the health and well being of their fellow citizens. What happened? Before there is an economic or political collapse a society invariably experiences a cultural collapse.

The legendary football coach Vince Lombardi observed, “Individual commitment to a group effort is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”

To achieve that individual commitment to a group effort you have to have a culture where all members of the team or society are equally valued, on a championship team everyone gets a ring. They are bound together by the acceptance of role responsibility, trust and accountability. I accept my responsibility as a member of this team, we can trust each

other to do our jobs, and we are accountable to each other for our performance in executing our responsibilities.

This is the foundational culture of all successful organizations, regardless of size, mission or age. Inherited privilege is a parasite that sucks the creativity and vibrancy out of any living organism it attaches too. White male privilege is such a parasite.

The presidency of George Washington established the foundational norms and expectations of the American presidency, and, by and large, American presidents operated inside those normative expectations until now.

With the exception of Barack Obama, all American presidents have been the product of white male privilege. In 1789 white male privilege got you George Washington, in 2016 it got you Donald Trump.

The ancient Greeks used the term “idiot” to mean something formal. They were referring to a person who was only interested in their private life, their personal gain or advantage. This was a person incapable of contributing to the common good, which would ultimately lead to societal collapse and tyranny. For the ancient Greeks there was no one more worthy of contempt than the idiot.

Donald Trump and the people who support and enable him epitomize what the Greeks found so contemptible, and explains why, despite its formidable assets, the United States leads the world in both deaths and rates of infections. The inability to be in solidarity with other human beings.

In politics Aristotle wrote, “Man is by nature a social animal … Society is something that precedes the individual. Anyone who cannot lead the common life … and therefore does not partake of society, is either a beast or a god.”

A day after the CDC’s findings were reported, Stanford University researchers published a study that found more than half of hospital deaths from the virus were Black or Hispanic patients.

Bringing the pandemic under control in the United States starts with controlling it in the worst-hit communities. And that starts with the guidance and expertise of Black health professionals.

For the last several months, a task force formed by the nation’s oldest Black physicians group has been monitoring the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The National Medical Association’s task force of infectious disease and immunization experts has been reviewing data to confirm the strength of scientific evidence and that diversity is represented in clinical trials.

“We’re really doing this to be a source of trusted information for our physicians and our community … in order for us to speak to the safety and allocation within the African American community,” NMA

President Dr. Leon McDougle told CBS News.

The National Urban League

has joined forces in that effort, initiating a first-of-its-kind conversation between Black journalists and a coalition of Black health professionals including NMA, the Black Coalition Against COVID19 have partnered with Meharry Medical College, Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, the National Black Nurses Association and BlackDoctor.org.

On Dec. 10, we will present a town hall meeting on the development and potential distribution of a vaccine.

The National Urban League has repeatedly demanded that any vaccine distribution plan avoid the mistakes that were

n “Until a vaccine is available our best chance of survival is to mask up, and avoid large gatherings.”

— Marc Morial, National Urban League president

made with test distribution in the spring. Rather than rely largely on private physicians and chain pharmacies — largely absent from poor Black neighborhoods — distribution must incorporate communitybased providers like churches and other faith-based organizations, community centers and Urban League affiliates.

The equitable framework for vaccine allocation developed by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and

Letters to the editor

Rise up, Black women 1619-2020 is a long time to birth an entire thankless and ungrateful nation. We are overwhelmed, overworked, underappreciated, disregarded and magic slingers, underpaid, disrespected but expected to show up, elevate and educate.

#TimesUp

In Genesis 15:13, God said to Abram, “Know this: your descendants will live as outsiders in a land not theirs; they’ll be enslaved and beaten down for 400 years. Then I’ll punish their slave masters; your offspring will march out of there loaded with plunder. But not you; you’ll have a long and full life and die a good and peaceful death. Not until the fourth generation will your descendants return here; sin is still a thriving business among the Amorites.”

Because of Black women, America is what it is and this is our moment to rise up and be seen, heard and intentional.

Marshata Caradine East St. Louis

Stutterers are entitled to speech therapy in schools

About 3 million Americans, or approximately 1 percent of the population, have a stutter, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Stuttering can be tough to handle sometimes, especially around others. Try having to fight through a stutter while friends awkwardly wait for you to finish your sentence — sometimes, it’s downright scary. As a stutterer myself,

Medicine recommends that “special efforts are made to deliver vaccines to residents of high-vulnerability areas.” The first of the framework’s four phases include people with underlying conditions such as cancer, serious heart conditions, or sickle cell disease, that put them at significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease or death. African Americans are disproportionately represented among this group.

As the National Academies noted: Black, Hispanic or Latinx, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 with higher rates of transmission, morbidity, and mortality. This reflects the impact of systemic racism leading to higher rates of comorbidities that increase the severity of COVID-19 infection and the socio-economic factors that increase likelihood of acquiring the infection, such as having frontline jobs, crowded living conditions, lack of access to personal protective equipment, and inability to work from home.

While we are making every effort to plan for an equitable vaccine distribution plan, it’s important to remember that there is no vaccine right now. FDA approval may be imminent, but it hasn’t happened yet. Until a vaccine is available our best chance of survival is to mask up, and avoid large gatherings.

Avoiding large gatherings is a bitter pill to swallow during this holiday time, when we’re missing our friends and family, especially after more than eight weeks of social restrictions. But there is a light at the end of this tunnel, and we’re working to make sure it shines equally on Black America.

I used to feel out-of-place in social situations, anxiously yearning to return to my home. Though I tried to do everything I could to learn more about combatting my stutter, I would always hear the same thing from teachers, family, and friends: to speak slower, or to think about what to say before I spoke. But no matter how slowly I spoke or how much I thought about what to say, I would still stutter. That was until I learned I could get professional help. Although the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997 makes

speech therapy a required resource for school districts, I’ve realized that our schools are doing a poor job of making stutterers aware of these resources. It’s imperative that we urge the public school system to do more for stutterers, whether it be mandatory speech impediment screenings for every student or ensuring that students know of their school’s

Kesava Viswanadha Chesterfield

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Guest Columnist Marc Morial

Resist STL protests law firm working with Trump

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

About 15 people gathered Friday for a protest organized by Resist STL in front of True North Law Firm in Clayton to protest the firm’s involvement with President Donald Trump’s effort to “stage a coup.”

Resist STL is a group of activists who say they are prepared to mobilize if Trump continues refusing to concede and attack the legitimate projected results of the 2020 presidential election.

A statement, the organization accused True North Law Firm, which has an office at 112 S. Hanley Road in Clayton, of actively working with Trump and the Republican National Convention to stage a coup by trying to take votes away from Black voters and other minorities.

“Trump’s baseless lawsuits are failing and many of the big firms have already dropped their cases,” Resist STL organizers wrote.. “Yet, True North Law Firm is still trying to stop the will of the voters in court.”

The firm filed a complaint on Nov. 4, the day after the election, on behalf of Trump against Michigan’s Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, alleging she violated two clauses in Michigan’s Constitution by not allowing election inspectors from each party to monitor the vote counting process, as well as denying challengers of the vote totals access to videos of the ballot boxes before counting.

People interested in learning more about Resist STL may visit their website at www. resiststlouis.org, visit their Facebook at www.facebook.com/resistSTL or text “RESIST” to 314-270-1310.

Breaking the chains of systemic violence and oppression

By Lisa M. Pettis for The St. Louis American

In a local clinical pastoral education program, I experienced the director as racially insensitive. She talked about how if she were an African American mother and had an African American son, she wouldn’t know how to deal with what was happening today.

Then, she stated how the people who were rioting, looting, and burning things were not going about the issue the “right” way and how they learned to handle conflict from their home environment.

Two of my White colleagues offered input, I believe, based on recent discussions we’d had, in which I cited characteristics of systemic violence and oppression during the past five months in the program. The director refuted them with more racist comments. She talked about how the “wife” of George Floyd encouraged protestors not to loot, saying she modeled a “non-anxious presence.”

give the director time to respond, I agreed and came in on Friday. In her response, the director wrote: “…I realize now that any example drawn from the current racial issues was ill timed and involved topics far too raw to effectively serve as educational examples. For that, and for any insensitivity I may have shown, I truly apologize … while I hear and respect your request that the next two didactics be canceled and replaced, I cannot in good conscience agree to that request as I see that teaching responsibilities are necessary to maintain the integrity of the director position and [organization name] program …”

In her first attempt at moral instruction, I pointed out the slaves in the biblical texts she was using.I finally shared the need to be careful in defining the behavior of those who have been oppressed and referred back to what she considered “model” behavior of Floyd’s “wife,” who was actually his girlfriend, whose name is Courtney Ross.

There were more examples of systemic violence and oppression in this program, but this was the straw that broke the camel’s back. fwo days after that Tuesday didactic, I sent a letter to the director, her boss, and the alternate educator.

I wrote: “…I will not subject myself to any more systemic oppression in this organization and if the last two didactics are not canceled and replaced with something else, you can accept this letter as my letter of resignation and my employment with (the organization) will end on Friday, June 19, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.”

Over the course of several days, the director tried to engage with me concerning her personal difficulty and how she realized the director’s effort to teach had gotten off course, but she really wanted us to get the material she was trying to present regarding a “non-anxious presence.”

After the alternate educator asked me to

Unfortunately, this type of program is one of the major requirements for chaplain board certification. For me, it was violent and oppressive to my health and well being as an African American female.

I guess it seemed impossible for an African American female to be secure in who she is and to love and accept her Black heritage and to speak from her own perspective, using Black theology; Black feminist and womanist thought, theology and ethics. Throughout this program, I experienced the many forms of oppression, including manipulation, control and coercion, which I deemed as a violent and oppressive system.

Whenever I mentioned racism, oppression, or slavery, mum’s the word. Ironically, the educator who publicly said she neither identified as Black nor White, on one occasion, blurted out, “I’m Black!” when one of my colleagues expressed an issue of racism due to the educator not hearing two Black females.

I spoke up. I wrote four letters of concern. Among the results: the educator resigned, the second-year program, for which I was the only applicant, was shut down. The instruction continued to exclude voices African American females. I resigned.

How to end systemic violence and oppression?

The first step is to acknowledge it. Not until people in religious academia see how violence and oppression are built into the fabric of America’s systems, will we see an end to Black people being shot down by the system in the streets, education, housing, finances, health care and more.

Lisa M. Pettis, MDiv is a violence epidemiologist and is an advocate for the decolonization of systems and structures in America.

About 15 people gathered Friday for a protest organized by Resist STL in front of True North Law Firm in Clayton to protest the firm’s involvement with President Donald Trump’s effort to “stage a coup.”

Lisa M. Pettis

Photo by Wiley Price

COVID

Continued from A1

Staying focused on safety

Mosby said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson has been communicating throughout the pandemic, using emails and internal videos to all department members, encouraging them and reminding them of necessary precautions.

“This has been going on for several months, and it’s easy … to not be as focused, not to be as on top of things as you were at the beginning, so the chief put out a message… reminding all members to be vigilant, and be cautious, on and off duty, making sure that we socially distance, wear our masks, wash our hands,” Mosby said. “And he also emphasized that we need to be setting the example, as responders.”

The crowded airports and long COVID testing lines seen before Thanksgiving may be mirrored by holidays soon to come, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and New Year’s celebrations.

However, Mosby said, if you need fire and ambulance services, please call.

“We want people to not delay in calling us if they feel the need,” Mosby said. “We notice that with this pandemic, that people are afraid to call on the ambulance, because they think we are already busy, or that we’re too busy.

“If you need us, please call us. We clean the ambulances after people use it, and so,

you’re coming into an environment that has been cleaned.

If you do call, Mosby said it is helpful, if possible, that someone comes outside (with mask on) to meet the firefighters to give responders an idea of what is taking place inside before they enter.

“It helps us be able to gameplan on what we are coming

into,” Mosby said, “to give us a little bit of what is going on.”

While not speaking about the health status of St. Louis Police Department employees,

Sgt. Keith Barrett said, “All of our facilities, which includes the area stations, are being cleaned/decontaminated regularly.

“Our department also has

ample supply of PPE, which is available to all employees. Lastly, all employees have been advised to the necessary precautions/protocols per the guidelines of the CDC.”

No significant shortages

Sgt. Benjamin Granda of the St. Louis County Police Department said the pandemic has not caused any significant workforce shortages.

“The number of officers seen out, we may see regularly through sick days, maternity leave, or military leave. We are fortunate because we have the numbers and experience to be agile and shift resources where they need to be,” Granda told The American.

“Additionally, many of our members have recovered and returned to duty in quick

fashion. The dedication of our officers is exceptional.”

In a media release this week, the department reported that 12 members of the St. Louis County Police Department tested positive for COVID-19 over the past eight days.

“This includes commissioned officers in the Division of Patrol (across six different precincts), the Division of Special Operations, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Office of the Chief of Police, and a professional staff member in the Division of Human Resources,” Granda stated.

“It is unknown how nine contracted it. It is believed that two individuals got it in the course of their duties and one individual contracted it from a family member.”

He said potentially affected

Medical workers with Betty Jean Kerr’s People’s Clinic give free flu vaccines and coronavirus tests on both sides of a family’s vehicle, Sat. Nov. 21, 2020.

work areas and vehicles have been thoroughly cleaned.

“There have been a total of 78 positive test results since the global pandemic first directly impacted the personnel of the department on March 28, 2020. Sixty-one of the 78 have already recovered and returned to duty.”

Granda said the public should try to stay safe and healthy, but if needed, the St. Louis County Police Department stands ready to serve and protect.

“They should not hesitate to continue to contact 911 for emergency services. We are here 24/7/365,” Granda said.

“Since March 2020, the members of our department have responded/initiated approximately 360,114 calls for service. No calls have gone unanswered and no calls will.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Mosleys

Continued from A1

and we know how well that worked out. And it has happened in Missouri.

“Brian Williams did it two years prior, so I wasn’t afraid of doing it,” Walton Mosley said. “He also ran against two state reps — one was a former state rep, and one was a current. So, I felt like if he did it, I can do it too,” Walton Mosley said.

History in the making

She said it did not occur to her, initially, that her win in the state Senate could be historic, Jay Mosley said he thought about it, but did not say anything to his wife.

“I won’t lie. As we were canvassing, getting close to the election, it did cross my mind, but I didn’t know any of the history as far as married couples or even family members that served together.”

“I didn’t think about it until after the primary election,” Walton Mosley said. “[Former Sen. Shalonn] “Kiki” Curls, she brought it up to me, ‘Y’all will be the first couple.’ Oh, really?”

Now aligned in life and legislation, don’t expect to see these lawmakers to spar on different issues.

“We pretty much agree on the same things. I don’t see us having a conflict on any bill,” Walton Mosely said. Mosley concurred. “We won’t be butting each other’s heads,” he said.

“And some of the bills he filed in the past, I’ll be filing them on the Senate side,” she said.

One of those is a lottery bill, that would allow winners to keep their newfound fortune on the low-low.

“The lottery bill was going to grant anonymity to lottery winners in the state. It would prevent the Lottery Commission from posting information about the winners, which I felt could be a dangerous thing,” he said.

“Unless the winner chooses to publicize,” she added. The bill has made it

Walters

Continued from A1

to leading society because its recruitment plan is all about getting out in the community and being visible.

“I am in a position where I can honestly take 20 to 30 minutes to talk to a citizen about just any and everything,” he said. “And I know my cohorts are busy going from call to call, so they don’t always have that opportunity to have a 30-minute conversation with a citizen because of this thing that’s going on in the city. So since I’m in this position, I take that opportunity and being

Candidates

Continued from A1 third with 18.3% and Antonio French garnered 15.84% of the vote. The other candidates received less than 3% of the vote each.

Dana Kelly

Kelly announced Monday she would file to enter the race to become mayor, however she is quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia..

In a release Monday Kelly

out of committee twice, but it has yet to reach the floor.

“So maybe with my better half being in the Senate, we might be able to push it through a little faster,” Mosley said.

Changing school board elections

Walton Mosley has a few bills she plans to submit. One in particular concerns how board members are elected in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.

“To change how we elect members of the school board. Because currently, we are on what they call the cumulative system,” she said. “Trying to change it where they run by districts.”

She is also researching a police reform bill that a senator asked her to support.

Additionally, Walton Mosley wants to find productive solutions for voters who want to reduce crime.

“When walking the district, when we were canvassing and also on my posts, asking people what they wanted to see, they all said something about crimes,”

Walton Mosley said. “I’m trying to figure out what we can do to help prevent crime.

“Certainly, we have to do more funding in education and more affordable housing, mental health care. So those things do help with the crime, so we have to come up with some more preventive ways of stopping crime.”

For Democratic lawmakers and Black lawmakers in Jefferson City, Mosley said it’s important for everyone to do their part and work with super-majority colleagues to pass laws that benefit everyone.

“A lot of us have good rapport with the Republican side, so I believe in utilizing those relationships and just making the right move at the right time,” he said.

For the Mosleys, their focus is aligned and straightforward.

“I just hope that we remain humble and remember why we are in these positions and that we are there to help the community, particularly, our Black and Brown brothers and sisters. So that’s our main focus, I believe. Mine,” she said.

He agreed. “I’m the same.”

in the community, engaging and recruiting, it just allows me that opportunity to do it.”

He also wants to spread awareness and acceptance of mental health issues among first responders and the residents.

“I think as far as the mental health aspect in law enforcement, it’s just, for the most part, admitting that it exists among law enforcement,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing. You know, there are officers who struggle on a day-to-day basis. When we look at the national statistics and suicides among law enforcement, that’s not coincidental. That means something is mentally going on with the stresses of the job. A

said she has collected the required signatures and had planned to file Monday morning.

“However, out of an abundance of caution regarding my own health and not wanting to put others at risk, I will stay in quarantine as suggested by medical personnel and file immediately once it’s safe to do so,” Kelly wrote. “The field is starting to take shape and l look forward to having a conversation with the citizens of our city.” Kelly has not held public office. She is a financial consultant and in 2018 she unsuccessfully ran against Mavis T.

lot of times the public forgets that we see the worst of the worst.”

Walters was very clear to note that mental health issues should not justify inappropriate behavior on behalf of officers.

Along that line, Walters says he’s not in support of the new and widely debated slogan of defunding the police that has gained popularity this year in the wake of recent police-involved deaths of Black people.

“That is not a term that our citizens came up with,” he said. “I believe that is a term that was embedded into our citizens because defunding the police, I believe that

Thompson for the St. Louis License Collector’s Office.

Cara Spencer

Alderwoman Spencer also announced Monday she would run for mayor, noting that she met the petition requirements thanks to volunteers who collected signatures on her behalf.

Spencer represents the 20th Ward, roughly bounded by Cherokee Street to Broadway, down south on I-55 to Meramec Street and over to South Grand Boulevard. She was elected in 2015. Her term ends in 2023.

“I am the candidate with a

a lot of departments across the country, they’re under some sort of city control. They don’t see all the funds that are allotted for their agency.”

What is “defunding the police?”

He added he’s never really understood what the phrase meant exactly.

“What exactly is defunding the police? When you speak about defunding the police, you’re thinking, ‘Hey, you’re going to take money away from them?’ Wait a minute; we’ve got 100 plus empty slots that we need police officers in. So, defunding the police I think is just a term where a lot of our community and our citizens do not understand exactly what

track record of going the extra mile, digging in deep, answering to no one but the people of St. Louis,” she said.

Spencer said her ward mirrors the city because it includes assets like the Cherokee Street district, several city parks and the Mississippi River.

Spencer is executive director of the Consumers Council of Missouri.

that means. If anything, defunding the police, it’s not something that should be done.”

Walters, instead, is an advocate for more practical training in areas such as racial discrimination, implicit bias and de-escalation.

As far as advocating for racial and gender equity in law enforcement, Walters has his own vision for how that should happen. He said he is inspired by words from Cathy “Mama Cat” Daniels, who told Walters to build his own metaphorical table, instead of trying to get a seat at someone else’s. Daniels became an instantly recognizable source of comfort for

Tishaura Jones

Jones announced her intent to run as mayor on Nov. 4, one day after she was reelected to serve as St. Louis treasurer.

“We can do better, I know this because, despite our problems, St. Louis is steeped in potential and ripe with opportunity,” she said then. Jones received her first endorsement Friday from the

protesters during the months of unrest that ensued in response to the fatal shooting of Michael Brown Jr. in 2014 by a Ferguson police officer.

“That stuck in my head, so at first I wanted to get a seat at the table,” he said. “Now I hope, with the members and the community, we build our own table so that people want to come sit at our table. And our table will be a table that is about fairness, a table that is about social equality, a table that we will stand as a community of people and stand together arm in arm and fight a good fight against all of the wrong that’s out here.”

and ultimately the office of the mayor.

NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri PAC. The treasurer lost the 2017 primary race for St. Louis mayor by 888 votes, with Krewson garnering about 2% more of the vote, advancing Krewson to the general election

Salvation Army officers celebrate as they turn on the Christmas Tree in Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis on Friday, November 20, 2020. The tree lighting ceremony, which normally brings thousands, was short with no crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

MHS recognizes World AIDS Day, hosts housing segregation symposium

By Ian Darnell and Shakia Gullette, Missouri Historical Society

December 1 is World AIDS Day. Observed annually since 1988, it is an occasion to raise awareness about the ongoing HIV/AIDS pandemic and to remember those lost to the disease. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the critical ways that HIV/AIDS intersects with the African American experience in St. Louis.

The early history of HIV/AIDS is often associated with white gay men in large coastal cities. However, one of the earliest people known to have had HIV in the United States was Robert Rayford, a 16-year-old African American teenager in St. Louis who died at Deaconess Hospital on May 15, 1969—more than a decade before the disease caught the attention of leading scientists and the national press.

In the five decades since Rayford’s death, generations of Black St. Louisans have faced HIV/AIDS. For most of this history, the disease has had a disproportionate impact on the local African American community as compared with other racial groups. This is largely because of persistent inequities around the social determinants of health, such as access to affordable, culturally competent medical care.

Over the years, St. Louisans have organized to fight HIV/AIDS and to support those affected by the disease. One important example is Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS (BABAA). Founded in 1989, BABAA worked to prevent the spread of HIV during some the darkest days of the AIDS crisis. Members of BABAA later founded St. Louis’s annual Black Pride festival for LGBTQ+ African Americans and their allies. Today, BABAA has evolved into the organization Williams & Associates, which has a broad mission to combat minority health disparities in the St. Louis region. Through both our African American History Initiative and Gateway to Pride LGBTQIA+ collecting initiative, the Missouri Historical Society is working to document the impact of HIV/AIDS on the local African American community. In 2019, MHS worked with the Griot Museum of Black History to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rayford’s death. Now we are seeking to hear from community members who are willing to share their experiences of loss, struggle, and survival at gatewaytopride@mohistory.org

On December 4, MHS will host a virtual symposium, A City Divided: Housing Polarization in St. Louis, in conjunction with the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Missouri Humanities Council. Since 2016, this symposium has highlighted housing segregation and its lasting impact in St. Louis. Representatives from across the country join MHS to discuss how current social and environmental issues, such as blight and urban decay, affect their own communities.

Last year, we welcomed Nneka N’namdi, Fight Blight Bmore; Tyrone Turner, Better Family Life; Molly Metzger, Washington University in St. Louis; Jacob Wagner, University of Missouri—Kansas City Center for Neighborhoods; and Will Jordan, Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing Opportunity Council to discuss housing segregation in Baltimore, Kansas City, and St. Louis.

Due to current restrictions, this year we will not introduce a new city, but rather get an update

Blacks Assisting Blacks Against AIDS brochure, ca. 1994. Missouri Historical Society Collections.

from previous participants to see how their organizations have navigated the current pandemic and its effects on their communities.

To date, St. Louis has more than 25,000 abandoned structures. This is a significant problem that the city cannot handle on its own. Much like St. Louis, Baltimore has its fair share of vacancies and housing segregation. Fight Blight Bmore, an environmental justice campaign, was founded by Baltimore resident N’namdi in 2016. After seeing children riding bikes near dangerous demolition sites, she began researching, reporting, and tracking blight and environmental and safety hazards throughout the city. Fight Blight Bmore is currently testing a mobile app that will allow residents to report these hazards in real time.

N’namdi, who has participated in this symposium since 2018, states, “Blight is in large part the result of segregation as a political and economic outcome of racism. In my work I identify institutional racism as a root cause of segregation and illustrate how the law, regulation, and policy have continued to serve the aims of racism in spite of the civil rights movement. I also work to highlight solutions to blight that are centered in the cultural practices of the affected communities; that are firmly anti-gentrification; and that include the work of renters, small business owners, artists, and nonresidential property owners in the movement toward reparative community development.”

This year’s symposium will take place on Friday, December 4, at 6:30pm. Visit www. mohistory.org/events for more information and the Zoom link.

A UNITED COMMUNITY & CULTURE OF CARING

If a sense of community is important to you... If you are driven by a culture of caring... If you want to make a difference...

Then let us introduce you to the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society

Over the last 26 years, CCS has grown into the No. 1 philanthropic program for African Americans in the nation. And this impact is incredible – CCS has raised more than $46 million for the St. Louis region since its inception.

By answering the call to help their neighbors in need, CCS members make a difference every day throughout our region. CCS has helped create an infrastructure for our community to lean on in times of disaster and crisis. With your support, United Way can continue ensuring that when people need food, shelter, care, counseling or respite, we are there to help.

To learn more about CCS, please visit helpingpeople.org/CCS.

ArchCity Defenders grows team, expands diversity

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

In a time of furloughs, layoffs and business closings, ArchCity Defenders is growing the organization’s increasingly diverse team of lawyers, organizers and social workers.

The firm has brought on 10 staff members in 2020 — including six Black and two gender nonbinary people — bringing their fulltime staff to 32 employees. These additions have also helped maintain the diversity of ACD’s staff. Half are Black or people of color and more than half are women or gender nonbinary.

ArchCity Defenders represents clients in criminal cases and brings civil rights lawsuits that challenge abuses of the criminal legal system.

Kimyatta Smith joined the agency in October as the organization’s social work program manager. She said staff diversity is critical for

ACD to best serve its clients.

“I think that as we prepare to serve clients, having people from different backgrounds, different walks of life, different experiences, adds to the way that we build out the programs and build out services, because you have a different spectrum of ideas ...,” she said.

“I think when it comes to that direct service component, clients can find people they can identify with and I definitely think that improves people’s experiences when they come to our organization.”

Smith said her two-person department is building a pilot program that will formalize the social work the agency has provided for the last 10 years. Those efforts include addressing clients’ basic

needs such as housing, transportation, paying for utilities and food.

She also wants to be able help clients to recognize their own strengths and needs, whether it’s someone who wants to do community organizing, go back to school or learn how to drive a car.

Madison Orozco, ACD’s community collaborations associate, said her goal is to establish a St. Louis that cares for people while actively fighting and dismantling oppressive systems and institutions.

Diversity: Good for clients, good for staff

She agreed with Smith that it’s important for the staff to reflect the diverse identities of the clients. But the diversity is equally important for staff members, too, Orozco said.

“When I started at ArchCity, I had never really worked in an organizing space that had minority leadership, that had black leadership,

Elevate ESTL seeks to bring jobs to ESL

One mission is to establish a hiring program

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

A coalition of passionate East St. Louis residents have banded together through WePower to launch Elevate ESTL, a campaign aimed at bringing quality jobs for residents to the city.

WePower is an organization that works to engage communities for social change by providing education and other resources for activists, entrepreneurs and change makers.

n A coalition of passionate East St. Louis residents have banded together through WePower to launch Elevate ESTL, a campaign aimed at bringing quality jobs for residents to the city.

Elevate ESTL has three main missions: persuade East St. Louis City Council to pass a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance; that the city and newly formed Community Committee develop and monitor a first-source hiring program, and to establish local hiring requirements that developers must follow. Group members, many of whom are lifetime residents, took time this year to survey residents and take the pulse on what is needed to create economic development. Their findings can be boiled down to a few simple words: Access to safe, quality jobs and job training located in East St. Louis.

Debra Wiley is part of WePower and worked on collecting that information..

“We had 110 responses on our survey and heard from over 150 community members over the course of our campaign,” she said.

“We had to ask questions — one was ‘How would you describe the economic opportunities in East St. Louis?’

“Eighty percent of the people said there are few jobs and no economic opportunities in East St. Louis. That’s why we decided on this campaign.”

In addition, 68% of respondents ranked lack of jobs as the number one barrier to improving their economic standing.

Danielle Washington is one of the campaign’s coordinators. She said their first step is lobbying the City Council to pass a Community Benefits Agreement ordinance, which will require future development agreements to be negotiated and approved by a Community Committee. The negotiation will work to ensure the developer brings accessible jobs to the city, and keeps them there.

PeoPle on the Move

Regina Marsh has joined the Normandy Schools Collaborative as director of Community Partnerships & Engagement, a new position. She will lead district strategies to provide support for students and families, and coordinate community engagement initiatives. Marsh will also serve as the district’s chief attendance officer, working with students, families and staff to eliminate barriers and streamline tracking processes for the district with attendance matters. Prior to joining Normandy, Marsh led the Booker T. Washington Community Service Center and John Burton Housing partnership in San Francisco. There she was responsible for implementation of the organization’s strategic plan, as well as directing its fundraising, marketing, financial management, and program creation and oversight.

Annie Malone Children and Family Services has hired Jarel Loveless as chief development officer. Loveless previously served as managing director of development of Teach For America. He has extensive fundraising experience with the University of Missouri, the St. Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Science Center. He has a bachelor of science degree in journalism from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale and serves on the board of directors of Memory Care Home Solutions.

Washington University professor John Baugh will assume the vice presidency of the Linguistic Society of America on January 10, 2021. Baugh will serve a three-year term on the society’s executive committee, first as vice president in 2021, then as president in 2022, and finally as immediate past president in 2023.

More than $3 million in CARES Act funds will be distributed to small businesses and restaurants in St. Louis County’s continued response to the coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County executive has announced.

“These grants come at a critical time for small businesses and restaurants in St. Louis County,” said Page. “We know these businesses have been acutely affected by the pandemic and our efforts to control the spread of the virus. I implore all businesses that qualify to apply for these grants and I call on our leaders in Washington to get together now and approve a stimulus package so that we can get more financial assistance out into our communities. This should have happened months ago.”

St. Louis County this year awarded $19.7 million to more than 1,600 small businesses and restaurants. The additional funds come at the recommendation of the Economic Rescue Team, a group of volunteers appointed by Page to help lead the county’s economic recovery efforts. The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership will administer the program, known as the Small Restaurants, small businesses to receive more CARES Act funds

Chad Gray takes notes at a past Elevate ESTL event at Unity Lutheran Church in East St. Louis.

Regina Marsh

Katrina Hudson

Photo provided by Elevate ESTL

Madison Orozco

Kimyatta Smith

Joe Holt

Jarel Loveless

John Baugh

Schnucks announces new supplier diversity program

St. Louis American staff

Schnuck Markets, Inc. has announced the launch of a supplier diversity initiative to promote supplier participation that reflects the diverse communities throughout the Midwest in which Schnucks operates.

In the coming weeks and months, Schnucks merchandising leaders will be working to identify local suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned, operated and managed by individuals that are: people of color, white women, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ, and military veterans.

Grocer to partner with two industry firms to expand reach of new vendors

To accomplish this, Schnucks is partnering with ECRM and RangeMe, firms whose goal is to bring small suppliers together with retailers. This expansion in diverse supplier reach is part of the company’s overall diversity, equity and inclusion plan — Unity Is Power. In the plan, Schnucks reinforces the company’s responsibility to strive for inclusion and equity, not only for teammates and customers, but also for its network of thousands of vendors.

“Schnucks is focused on nourishing people’s lives, not only by helping our customers

to feed and care for their families, but also by actively working to strengthen our communities,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “We believe that investing in diverse suppliers aligns with our company’s values and supports our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy.”

To assist Schnucks in the effort for equity and inclusion, ECRM and RangeMe, together, are helping to source, qualify and connect diverse suppliers with the appropriate Schnucks buyers. All sourcing and product submissions will be made through RangeMe, the world’s

leading product discovery and sourcing platform, and ECRM will qualify suppliers, create curated meeting schedules and facilitate face-to-face meeting execution with Schnucks buyers in an effort to drive diverse suppliers into the marketplace. All of this is fueled by ECRM’s dedicated client support teams that help to make sure buyer and seller connections are executed seamlessly. “We are excited to partner with such an innovative retailer on an initiative that will shine a light on up-and-coming diverse suppliers,” said Wayne Bennett, Senior Vice

President of Retail for ECRM. “Schnucks’ pledge to improve and strengthen their local communities through supplier diversity is something we are honored and eager to assist with.”

As demonstrated through Schnucks’ recent partnerships with St. Louis-area Black-owned restaurants, the Schnucks supplier diversity program will promote an inclusive approach by investing in these and other diverse businesses by introducing their products into the company’s stores.

“We want our suppliers

to be more reflective of the communities we serve,” said Adrian Moore, Schnucks director of supplier diversity and category planning. “It is imperative to work with diverse suppliers in order to bring our customers the products they are looking for when they visit our stores, and also to do our part to support equity and inclusion in our communities.”

Suppliers wishing to participate in this diversity initiative are encouraged to visit https://rangeme.com/ schnucksdiversity for more information.

ArchCity launches environmental justice work with virtual summit

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

In an effort to increase the conversation around environmental justice, ArchCity Defenders is working with several local organizations to bring a series of conversations, concluding with a virtual summit, to the public. Madison Orozco, the agency’s community collaborations associate, works with partners

ArchCity

Continued from A9

that had a lot of people who were impacted and involved in the work,” she said.

to advance issues such as housing and environmental justice.

She helped spearhead the effort to put on Environmental Racism Series and Summit, which is intended to build on the release last year of the Environmental Racism in St. Louis report.

“That report came out of a lot of community listening, to hear people talk about what was going on and what people are facing,” she said.

“They wrote a report that analyzed all of this, it showed if you look at the maps, the most marginalized areas of the city and often the communities with the most Black and Brown folks were, time and again, were the ones that were most heavily impacted by these environmental issues.”

Orozco said this is an example of environmental racism, that it was intentional these communities would bear the

brunt of the effects of pollution and climate change. So the goal of the conversations and summit was to engage with people about what it looks like to solve these issues from their perspective.

The virtual conversations and summit were put on through a collaboration of Action St. Louis, ArchCity Defenders, Dutchtown South, Sierra Club and the interdisciplinary environmental clinic at

Washington University School of Law. They brought those conversations to the public through four virtual meetings that began Oct. 21. Those conversations culminated with a summit on Nov. 14, which was attended both virtually and physically.

Presenters summarized the conversations into their vision and reviewed policy recommendations for each of the environmental issues.

“I already knew it, but (this) confirmed how much of an appetite there is for conversations about these things,” Orozco said. “How much of an appetite there is for this work to be done and so this is how we partnered with this clinic this semester. But the organizations in the clinic have a standing partnership. So from semester to semester, we’re going to continue to do things.”

Statistics on non-lawyer staff at firms were not readily available.

Another new staffer, Joe Holt, became director of devel-

“… I’ve been at places that may have some diversity in the staff, but you need to make sure it goes a step further so those people aren’t just there to make it look good, those people are there to be an intentional part of the work you’re doing.” According to the National Association for Law Placement’s 2019 analysis, representation of associates of color has continued to increase since 2010 from 19.53% to 25.44%. Representation of women has increased by 1.1% since 2009 (46.77% from 45.66%).

n “ArchCity is definitely diverse, to the point where it feels very welcoming for a lot of individuals.”

— Joe Holt, director of development, ArchCity Defenders

opment in October. His background is full of nonprofit and union work. Most recently, he worked as the regional chief development officer at the

Missouri-Arkansans Red Cross. Holt, who is biracial, said he has experienced various work situations, from being the only person of color as a ranger for Missouri State Parks in 2003 to working with labor unions full of diversity. And I’m not just saying that because I work here — I was just talking to folks about how it felt very comforting to be

CARES Act

Continued from B1

Business Rapid Deployment Fund.

“As a catalyst for economic development in the St. Louis region, we remain committed to helping existing businesses weather the devastating impact of the COVID-19 virus, said Rodney Crim, CEO and president of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership.

“These funds are part of a comprehensive support plan.”

Small businesses affected by the virus may apply for $5,000

Elevate ESTL

Continued from B1

“The residents should always have the first say and option to apply because we are the ones paying taxes and voting,” she said.

in an organization that really welcomes everybody. Where everybody’s sort of coming to the same area because they want to make a difference.”

With the increased interest in civil rights issues this year, in part due to the deaths of people like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, ArchCity’s work is in the spotlight more now than ever.

“I know I always had an affinity towards a lot of the work and the milestones that happened during the civil rights era,” staff attorney Katrina Hudson said. “I didn’t realize that during my lifetime there would be something kind of similar going on in terms of what we’re seeing now, with the Black Lives Matter move-

grants to pay for operating expenses or business costs, including rent and payroll.

Restaurants that have had to adapt to virus-related, public health restrictions may apply for $5,000 grants to off-set related costs for things such as equipment for outdoor dining, heaters, tents and curbside service. In order to qualify, businesses must have 25 or fewer full-time equivalent employees and have a physical presence in St. Louis County. The grants can only go to businesses significantly impacted by the continued economic challenges created by COVID-19 and will

Kamina Loveless, the campaign’s other coordinator, said this data was collected both before and after the coronavirus pandemic, with a substantial amount of surveying done in one-on-one..

ment and things like that.” Hudson joined in July. She’s assigned to ACD’s special projects division, which focuses on impact litigation throughout Missouri, in an effort to expand the areas where ACD works.

Moving toward justice

“One of my favorite quotes by Martin Luther King Jr. is, ‘The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.’ “... for me, it’s just about finding my place in the movement and being on the front lines of this pivotal moment in our history and just pushing that arc a little bit further toward justice.”

only cover expenses and costs incurred between April 1, 2020 and December 16, 2020. Businesses that have already received a St. Louis County CARES Act grant are not eligible. Application for the Small Business Rapid Deployment Fund grants open Monday, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. and will remain open until 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7. Businesses and restaurants are encouraged to apply as early as possible because funding may be limited based on demand. To apply, go to the Partnership website at STLPartnership.com.

“We were actually able to go out and canvas in the neighborhood, and we created these small campaigns and that’s where we got most of our data from,” she said.

“And the other half came from Census points … and so collectively we’ve come up with all these wonderful ways to collect data from people right here in the city. “ Alice Moore, who has lived in East St. Louis since 1961, is also part of the effort to bring jobs, economic development and opportunity to the city.

“These past seven, eight, nine months have truly been a fascinating learning experience,” Moore said. She added: “It’s just fascinating to watch a program in its infancy grow into early adulthood with a concept that can bring economical improvement to East St. Louis.”

As of right now, the campaign will work to get City Council to pass the ordinance. The organization is conducting a letter-writing campaign and asks supporters to visit wepowerstl.org/elevate-estl to participate. A virtual meeting to discuss more about the campaign and its goals is scheduled for 5 p.m. Dec 2. To register for the Dec. 2 meeting, visit bit.ly/elevateestlstrategy.

5 years after Ferguson report, some say progress has come too slow

By Rebecca Rivas Missouri Independent

Like so many around the country, Dr. L.J. Punch was glued to the television on the night of Nov. 24, 2014.

That night, the country learned that then-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown Jr. Punch was a critical-care surgeon working in Houston at the time and trying to care for a 2-year-old son.

“I remember the fire,” Punch said, of the unrest that erupted in Ferguson when the grand jury’s decision not to indict was announced.

“I saw the sensationalized images from a distance because I was so far away. In a way, it was so detached from my life at the time.”

Within two years, Punch was living in Ferguson and among the most outspoken advocates for implementing reforms laid out in the Ferguson Commission’s report, released five years ago this fall.

The Ferguson Commission was created in reaction to the unrest in Ferguson by thenMissouri Gov. Jay Nixon. Its goal was to conduct a “thorough, wide-ranging and unflinching study of the social and economic conditions that impede progress, equality and safety in the St. Louis region.”

The report it released in 2015 was a culmination of 10 months of meetings, where the commission heard from more than 100 regional leaders, 1,000 community members and 80 subject matter experts.

It outlined 187 calls to action in achieving racial equity in education, jobs, housing and the criminal justice system. But for all its promise, and

all the work that went into producing it, much of its suggestions have seen little progress.

Among those feeling disappointed by the lack of action on the report’s recommendations are Punch, who this month stepped down as a member of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners after repeatedly hitting roadblocks in moving forward policy changes.

“I think the reason why the Ferguson Commission has not moved St. Louis County is that the county is not interested in increasing equity,” Punch said. “The county is interested in reducing crime. And even though they come to the same conclusion, those inspirations create wildly different structure, policy and culture.”

In response to Punch’s criticism, a county police spokesman said that the department strives to improve by gaining public input on various things, including its updated use-offorce policy and an external review of the department — a study Punch repeatedly challenged.

“I believe we are better than we were five years ago,” said spokesman Sgt. Benjamin Granda, “but not as good as we will be five years from now.”

‘The people’s report’

For many, Nov. 24 is a reminder of the criminal justice movement that ignited after Brown’s death and the calls to action outlined in what was called “the people’s report.”

It’s principles are now at the heart of what people mean when they cry “defund the police,” said Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis.

“The Ferguson Commission report is saying: how do we

by

reimagine public safety?”

Aldridge said. “How do we reinvest back into the people? That’s the same call that individuals like myself and others have been chanting in the streets. It does not mean abolish the police.”

Aldridge was in the streets

with other protesters when he heard the news in 2014. Earlier that November, the governor had appointed Aldridge to be part of the 16-member Ferguson Commission.

At 22, he was the youngest member, and he was hesitant to apply because he disapproved of Nixon’s militarized response to the protests.

However, a close friend convinced him to do it.

“Unless somebody is at the table to speak for the people on the street, your ideas that you want to see on the menu won’t be there,” he said.

The commission experience helped inspire Aldridge to run for state representative in November 2019, he said.

George Floyd’s death this year in Minneapolis sparked a renewed energy in the racial justice movement, said David Dwight, executive director of Forward Through Ferguson, which is the organization tasked with advocating for the implementation of the report’s calls to action.

The Ferguson report didn’t just stop at reforming the criminal justice system, Dwight said. It demands investment in early childhood, creating accessible housing, expanding access to healthcare, better job opportunities and pay rates to address the root cause of crime.

“That’s so much of what ‘defund the police’ is about at its essence,” Dwight said. “How are we reducing the systems that are actually perpetuating inequity and disproportionately hurting people of color.”

The St. Louis region has seen “drops in the bucket” of what the Ferguson report calls for, he said, but they are still considered wins.

Just this year, the group established a $2 million Racial Healing and Justice Fund to invest in healing community trauma and changing the conditions that reinforce systemic racism. The report called for a larger fund, but it’s a start, Dwight said.

The region has also enacted some protections around discrimination in housing and the creation of a housing trust fund in St. Louis County, he said.

There have been some advancements in funding for early childhood, including a ballot measure in St. Louis city that will potentially raise $2.3 million annually for early childhood services in the city’s most divested areas. Some school districts have also improved their discipline policies.

But police reform remains the area that’s seen the least progress, Dwight said.

“A lot of public policy leaders have not shown the courage

to implement changes that we knew were needed, and now, it’s undeniable that they’re needed,” he said.

Meanwhile, “defund the police” has become a lightning rod for controversy and a cudgel that the GOP used against Democrats throughout the 2020 elections.

“It’s not an organized organization called ‘Defund The Police,’” Jean Evans, executive director of the Missouri Republican Party, said shortly before the November elections.

“Some of these organizations that are supporting (Democratic gubernatorial candidate) Nicole Galloway want to see the dismantling and the disarming of police.”

St. Louis residents voted for additional taxes to support police officers, Evans noted, and people want to see those funds go towards police equipment and adequate staffing.

“I think there’s a minority of people who think that we should take money away from the police and put them towards other resources,” she said.

New prosecutors

Many reforms in the Ferguson Commission’s report have largely stalled, but St. Louis city and county residents elected two prosecutors who ran largely on the promises the report contained.

In August 2016, Kimberly Gardner won handily in the four-way Democratic primary race for circuit attorney, beating her nearest challenger by nearly 10,000 votes. She became St. Louis city’s first black circuit attorney.

Last year, Gardner released her Justice 2020 initiative to reform — or, as she says, “tear down” — the system.

“We have to stop having this rhetoric that we’re going to be able to lock our way out of this, prosecute our way out of this,” Gardner said.

More surprising than Gardner’s victory was what happened two years later in St. Louis County.

In 2014, Wesley Bell was a professor at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, which is in Ferguson.

On Nov. 24, he was watching the news from home on West Florissant Avenue, which local organizers and national media have described as “Ground Zero” for the movement.

Then-St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch made the announcement at 8 p.m. from downtown Clayton. Bell remembers fielding calls from friends and family after-

wards who wanted to hear a lawyer’s take on the issue.

“It’s one of those moments many of us know exactly where we were,” he said.

Bell had no idea that four years later, he would shock the country by unseating McCulloch — an incumbent Democrat who had been in office since 1991.

Ending the “debtor’s jails” was a major cry during the Ferguson protests, and it was a main priority for Bell when he took office. Asked if anyone is currently in the county jail because they can’t afford bail, Bell said that there shouldn’t be.

“We make it clear to the public defenders and to the judiciary,” Bell said. “If there is someone that has slipped through the cracks that we’re not aware of, bring it to our attention and we will join in the motion to get that individual out.”

Bell has also implemented one of the biggest diversion programs in the state, along with Gardner.

This is good for public safety, he said, because violent offenders don’t generally start off committing violent offenses. They typically start with stealing or drug possession offenses.

“When you catch them at that point and give them the treatment and support they need, the research is clear,” Bell said. “They’re significantly less likely to reoffend and we’re seeing it happen in our prosecution-led diversion.”

The national recidivism rates for state prisoners is nearly 80 percent, and the rate in their diversion program is 4.8 percent.

According to Gardner, a year of diversion is 95 percent less expensive than a year in jail. The average cost to incarcerate a person in a St. Louis jail is $31,543, she said.

One of the reasons the reforms on the prosecutorial sides have advanced is because Bell and Gardner were elected to do just that, he said, and they aren’t beholden to any council.

In August, Bell had to make a similar announcement that McCulloch did in 2014. Bell assigned his conviction and incident review unit to look into the facts of Michael Brown’s death again, which concluded that there was not enough evidence to charge Darren Wilson with a crime.

“The physical evidence is what it is, and unfortunately, six years later, you can’t recreate a crime scene,” Bell said. “We’re stuck with the investigation that was done at the time.”

Photo

Lawrence Bryant

Nov. 24, 2014 the country learned that then-Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the Aug. 9 shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown Jr.

“Taking

Care of You”

iPads become social contact lifelines during pandemic

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Electronic tablets, phones and computers are the vital connections keeping people tethered to school, work, worship, family and friends during these eight months and counting, of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a U.S. Health and Human Services blog dated Sept. 10, U.S. Surgeon General Vice Adm. Jerome M. Adams, M.D., and Lance Robertson, of Administration for Community Living, discussed “Harnessing Technology to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation” and health effects of social deprivation.

“Research tells us that social isolation can threaten health, and regular social interactions and having a strong personal network are important to a person’s mental and physical health, resilience, and longevity,” they wrote.

n “It’s been really great. I like the way it’s set up and everything. It’s a really good tool.I want to use it for both the VA and my other medical doctors now.”

— Leroy Gill

“In fact, loneliness can pose as grave a threat to a person’s health as smoking, obesity, or substance abuse.

Loneliness can take a toll on one’s physical, mental and emotional health and may manifest in various ways.

“Health concerns stemming from social deprivation include high blood pressure, sleeplessness or less restful sleep, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. In addition, lack of human interaction may increase hormone levels that contribute to inflammation and weakened immunity, thereby increasing the risk of diseases.”

Loneliness and social isolation is a particular health concern for older people, a population vulnerable to severe outcomes if they contract the coronavirus and who also need safe interaction with others.

Making connections, safely

For The Empowerment Network of prostate cancer survivors, finding a way to keep the men connected to one another, to family and to vital health care has become a crucial need, and iPads are the balm during these difficult times.

A grant from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust allowed the organization to purchase refurbished iPads for members who did not have tablets, so they can connect with health care providers and to the world outside their doors safely.

“To introduce the men to telehealth and telemedicine. … That was our main goal, to stay connected with our survivors, and the iPad

Leroy Gill learns how to use an iPad supplied by The Empowerment Network to have telehealth visits, participate in prostate cancer support group meetings and visit with family during the coronavirus pandemic. The tablets were purchased through a grant from the Episcopal Presbyterian Health Trust.

was also a confidence-builder for many of the men in the organization who thought technology had passed them by,” said Mellve Shahid, founder and CEO of The Empowerment Network. “Especially since they grew up in the age of the typewriter and not in the age of the computer.”

Robin Wright-Jones is the network’s executive director. Wright-JOnes applied for the grant after she and members brainstormed on how to stay in touch with the members and help them stay on track with their health care.

“They did kind of freak out when their

appointments, their follow-ups and their treatments and therapies were suspended because of COVID,” Wright-Jones said.

“Obviously, in any type of medical situation that our guys are in, when they don’t have access to the very thing that’s threatening their existence, it creates a panic.”

Imagine teaching senior gentlemen, who may have been a little scared of technology, indifferent about it, or wanted nothing to do with computers or any of that “social media” stuff, to use iPads. And because of the pan-

See iPADS, A13

Poor children with food allergies are in danger

By Sandy West Kaiser Health News

As Emily Brown stood in a food pantry looking at her options, she felt alone. Up to that point, she had never struggled financially. But there she was, desperate to find safe food for her young daughter with food allergies. What she found was a jar of salsa and some potatoes.

“That was all that was available,” said Brown, who lives in Kansas City, Kansas. “It was just a desperate place.”

When she became a parent, Brown left her job for lack of child care that would accommodate her daughter’s allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat and soy. When she and her husband then turned to a federal food assistance program, they found few allowable allergy substitutions. The closest allergy support group she could find was an hour away. She was almost always the only Black parent, and the only poor parent, there.

Brown called national food allergy advocacy organizations to ask for guidance to help poor families find safe food and medical resources, but she said she was told that wasn’t their focus. Support groups, fundraising activities and advocacy efforts, plus clinical and research outreach, were targeted at wealthier — and white — families. Advertising rarely reflected families that looked like hers. She felt unseen.

“In many ways, food allergy is an invisible disease. The burden of the disease, the activities and energy it takes to avoid allergens, are mostly invisible to those not impacted,” Brown said. “Black and other minority patients often lack voice and visibility in the health care system. Add the additional burden of an invisible condition and

Blackmon creates joy in midst of pandemic

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

“I want to feel something different.”

The voice in her head was new but strong. Kristian Blackmon, 39, wasn’t aware she was contemplating suicide. She just knew she didn’t feel right; hadn’t felt herself for days. What she defined as a “darkness” had enveloped her for weeks. But that night in early 2019, after work, while in the shower, an unexpected but convincing message boomed in her head:

“I’m Done!”

Blackmon consumed all the alcohol and pills she could find in the house. Time passed, she blacked out only to be awakened by her cousin banging on her front door. She’d been trying to reach her all day. The cousin and her husband tended to Blackmon.

Because she had vomited most of the poison from her system, the cousin didn’t insist she go to a hospital. Instead, the cousin took Blackmon home with her. The next day, Blackmon contacted her therapist and they’ve been in constant contact ever since.

She still has those “up and down days” and small bouts with depression, but, Kristian said,

n “In this COVID environment, joy is important.”

— Kristin Blackmon

but the irrational thoughts and feelings that seemed to justify suicide almost two years ago have not returned. Today, life for Kristian Blackmon is all about healing herself and others.

This weekend (Nov. 27), Blackmon will host “I Still Love H.E.R.” a virtual art show celebrating women in hip-hop. It’s one of several shows she’s hosted as part of her effort to use the power of art to “educate and speak to oppression and injustice.” Kristian, a visual artist, has been curating exhibits since 2012 at venues such as Urb Arts in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood. She’s been involved in protests since the killing of Mike Brown by a Ferguson police See BLACKMON, A13

A12

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • NOV. 26 –

2, 2020

Photo by Cheryl Gill

Emily Brown founded the Food Equality Initiative advocacy organization in 2014.

Kristian Blackmon has been involved in protests since the killing of Mike Brown by a Ferguson police officer in 2014.

Photo provided by Kristian Blackmon

Blackmon

Continued from A12

officer in 2014. But the suicide attempt, police shootings and the coronavirus pandemic has increased her resolve to give Black people, especially activists and artists, a chance to speak and be heard.

“We have to take care of ourselves”

“A lot of folk who do community work, especially those protesting; they’re moving on adrenaline and most times don’t think about what it does to them mentally. A lot of stuff I didn’t think was impacting me, actually was. I recognize now that we have to take care of ourselves.”

The suicide attempt, Kristian admits, was, in a way, successful:

“There were elements of me that literally died that day. There were pieces of me I needed to shed and some of those pieces died. Now, I’m reincarnated. I’m on the other side. There are new pieces to me, things that were made anew.”

The challenge she’s embraced is “figuring out how to be well, emotionally, physically, and spiritually” in these susceptible times, and not just for herself:

“I’m in this super imaginative space where I want to present an element of joy in my shows because it’s important for us to have that in the midst of all this.”

“Taking Care of You”

Kristian also finds contentment in giving back. “Harriett’s Gun” is an all-black women’s collective she heads.The group has organized community events in Fairground Park, where people from the neighborhood can gather safely while receiving free items like face masks, food and clothing.

This past summer, the group hosted a public event called “Revolver,” which paid homage to people lost to gun violence.

One of her proudest and most bodacious accomplishments was the Go-Fund-Me campaign she started this year for small, local, black-owned businesses affected by social unrest or the pandemic.

Blackmon heard that Cathy’s Kitchen in Ferguson

was vandalized during protests after George Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis. The restaurant, she said, is a favorite hangout for activists. They were asking if there was a fund for struggling black businesses.

Blackmon couldn’t find one, so she started one. To date, she’s raised more than $25,000 and has contributed to Cathy’s Kitchen and other Black enterprises struggling during the pandemic. The response was so quick and generous, she said, she’s increased her goal to $40,000 to help even more Black businesses.

Staying mentally sound is an ongoing endeavor, Blackmon said. She found that talking about trying to take her own life has proven liberating: “Sharing my testimony”

“Sometimes we’re made to feel shame for having low moments. The times I’ve shared my story, people say ‘you’re such a strong person … you do so much stuff.’ They tend to forget that we’re all human. Sharing my testimony has helped me tremendously but that vulnerability and honesty has helped others as well.”

Kristian uses the word “darkness” to describe her feelings before the suicide attempt.

“The crazy thing was that my mind was telling me a lot of negative things that I know weren’t real. But I wasn’t able to shake those feelings.”

Because of the pandemic, she recognizes that over-

whelming darkness in people’s lives. Strangely, the fear, isolation and depression that’s affected others has inspired her:

“In this COVID environment, joy is important,” she explained. “So, now, instead of negative thoughts, I think about the platforms and opportunities I can create for others. I think about the new relationships and stronger connections I’ve built. I think about how I moved negative things out of my life that don’t serve me anymore.

“I think that even in the midst of this pandemic, I can create happiness and joy.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow. To view the GoFundMe, visit https://tinyurl.com/FundBlack-Business.

Families fear nursing home residents face two crises: coronavirus and loneliness

By Chad Davis St. Louis Public Radio

Diana Morrison remembers celebrating her father’s 85th birthday with the entire family in February. They gathered in a conference room at Bethesda Southgate, a nursing facility in St. Louis County, with food and drinks, eager to celebrate. It was the family’s last gathering before the coronavirus pandemic with her father, who has lived at Bethesda Southgate for nearly three years.

“It’s kind of a whole new normal for me, because I was used to going in every day, everything I did was kind of around when I was going to go visit Dad,” said Morrison, whose father had a stroke 20 years ago. “He kind of understands, he kind of gets why we can’t come.”

The pandemic has made it hard for families to visit their loved ones in nursing and assisted living homes.

After many people in nursing homes tested positive for the virus this year, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services instructed long-term care facilities to limit visitors and nonessential health care staff. In June, state health officials said nursing homes could again allow visitors to see family members.

Morrison said she’s frus-

iPads

Continued from A12

“Setting up the iPads was a little challenging because they couldn’t do it one-on-one,” Shahid said. “They had had to take a 75-year-old man and take a piece of technology he knew nothing about, and try to set it up, over the phone.” They made it happen.

Allergies

Continued from A12 you are in a really vulnerable position.”

Black children more likely to have food allergies

trated that people aren’t taking the virus seriously and wearing masks, which has left the most vulnerable residents facing two crises: the coronavirus and loneliness.

“I understand why it’s happening, but I am shocked that it’s still going on,” Morrison said. “I feel like all these years and the last seven months have just been so depressing for him.”

An October survey by the nonprofit Altarum Institute found that 5% of nursing home

Under the patient tutelage of two members, Walter Pritchard and Charles Johnson, the de facto tech-team taught 25 older men, over the phone, how to use them.

For Leroy Gill, 72,l of St. Louis, his biggest learning curve was using a Mac operating system. But once he got it, he got it. And he loves it.

“It’s been really great. I like the way it’s set up and everything. It’s a really good tool,” Gill said. He has used it for a Veterans Affairs telehealth

residents had visitors three or more times a week. Before the pandemic, more than 50% did. Three-quarters of respondents also said they’ve felt more lonely during the pandemic.

But loved ones had to stay outside and follow social distancing guidelines to keep residents safe.

University City resident Mark Schoon said the new guidelines were a relief. His dad was moved from his independent living facility on Delmar after the isolation left

visit. “I want to use it for both the VA and my other medical doctors now.”

Young teach the old

The young digital experts are helping out the old-school fellows as well.

“A lot of the survivors

I’ve spoken to about the iPad program, another one of their educators were their grandchildren,” Shahid said. “They were able to go to their grandkids and say, ‘Paw Paw needs some

him depressed and sad.

“At first it was OK, but after two or three months I think the solitary nature of it all started getting to people, in him especially,” Schoon said. “[He] started to lose interest in getting up, in eating, in doing the normal things people would do.”

What will happen when it gets cold?

After Schoon’s father stopped eating, he was admitted to a hospital and later to a rehab facility. Schoon said his

help with this, how do you navigate this, how do you navigate that’ — because a lot of the grandkids are working on iPads now right in their homes with them doing their schooling, because the schools are shut down. So, it became a win-win situation altogether.”

Keeping the men connected has continued with good support group participation.

“One support group meeting, we had over 65 guys that are Zooming, and these are guys in their 70s,” Shahid said.

father will soon be admitted into an assisted living facility now that he’s doing better. He’s also been able to visit his dad during scheduled patio and window visits where the two can be in the same place together. But Schoon and others worry about what will happen as the weather gets too cold for outdoor visits.

Nursing homes across the country are trying to figure out what to do during the next several months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the coronavirus spreads more indoors.

Cheryl Kinney is a counselor who primarily works with older adults. Her father has Alzheimer’s disease and lives at Meramec Bluffs. His situation inspired her to want to help other residents. She often goes to nursing homes to speak with residents who are having a rough time.

“You try to work with the person’s strengths, and how have they coped in the past when they’ve encountered challenging times, and you try to use that as a resource, to help them through the challenge that they’re going through now,” Kinney said.

Many families say caregivers help them use Zoom or FaceTime to talk to their adult children and grandchildren.

The grant also allows the network to focus on mental health.They are working with a half-dozen African American mental health therapists on 90-minute interactive topics on Zoom, talking about relationships, stress management, grief counseling, self-care and other topics. These are separate from their regular support meetings, and take place monthly on Sunday afternoons.

While some say it’s not the same as seeing them in person, it’s better than nothing. Diana Morrison wonders how her father and other people in nursing homes will make it through the holiday season when they can’t celebrate with families. She’s been able to see her dad during patio visits, but she knows other residents have had few visits. So she’s trying to help the best she can.

“My sister that passed away was a card maker, I have gobs of cards,” Morrison said. “So I recently colored a bunch of postcards, I wrote a bunch of Halloween cards, took it to the nursing home, and told the activity staff to hand it out to people that don’t get mail.” It’s just one way Morrison tries to bring a sense of normalcy during a very abnormal year.

Pull quote said the new guidelines were a relief. His dad was moved from his independent living facility on Delmar after the isolation left him depressed and sad.

“At first it was OK, but after two or three months I think the solitary nature of it all started getting to people.” — Mark Schoon, University City

In addition to the iPads, and the mental health discussions, the grant is supporting an upcoming Healthy Focus podcast – a spinoff of the network’s former Healthy Focus radio program that aired for many years.

“We’re going to be bringing in the doctors and clinicians to be a part of our podcast,” Shahid said.

A psychotherapist and a marriage and sexual health therapist are slated to be on the podcast that will begin early next year. For more information, visit theempowermentnetwork.net.

An estimated 6 million children in the United States have food allergies, 40% of them with more than one. Though limited research has been done on race and class breakdowns, recent studies show that poor children and some groups of minority children not only have a higher incidence of food allergies than white kids, but their families also have more difficulty accessing appropriate child care, safe food, medical care and life-saving medicine like epinephrine for them.

likely to have food allergies than white children, according to a 2020 study by Dr. Ruchi Gupta, at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. To be sure, the study shows that Asian children are 24% more likely than white children to have food allergies. But Black and Hispanic children are disproportionately more likely to live in poor communities, to have asthma, and to suffer from systemic racism in the delivery of medical care.

And finding allergen-free food to keep allergic kids safe can be costly — in both time and money.

entire family,’” said Dr. Carla Davis, director of the food allergy program at Houston’s Texas Children’s Hospital.

Fed up with the lack of support, Brown founded the Food Equality Initiative advocacy organization in 2014. It offers an online marketplace to income-eligible families in Kansas and Missouri who, with a doctor’s note about the allergy, can order free allergy-safe food to fit their needs.

color,, who live disproportionately in food deserts, fresh and allergy-friendly foods can be especially expensive and difficult to find in the best of times.

Few substitutions available

Making matters worse, low-income households pay more than twice as much as higher-income families for the emergency medical care their children receive for their allergies, according to a 2016 study by Gupta. The kids often arrive at the hospital in more distress because they lack safe food and allergy medications — and because asthma, which disproportionately hits Black and Puerto Rican children and demic, the group could not risk doing it face-to-face.

Black children are 7% more

“Many times, a mother is frank and says, ‘I have $20 to $40 to buy groceries for the week, and if I buy these foods that you are telling me to buy, I will not be able to feed my

Brown said her organization more than doubled its clientele in March through August, compared with the same period in 2019. And though it currently serves only Missouri and Kansas, she said the organization has been fielding an increasing number of calls from across the country since the pandemic began. For low-income people of

Food assistance programs are heavily weighted to prepackaged and processed foods, which often include the very ingredients that are problematic. Black children are more likely to be allergic to wheat and soy than white kids, and both Black and Hispanic children are more likely to be allergic to corn, shellfish and fish, according to a 2016 study. Some programs allow few allergy substitutions. For example, the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants

and Children allows only canned beans as a substitute for peanut butter. While nutritionally similar, beans are not as easy to pack for a kid’s lunch. Brown questions why WIC won’t allow a seed butter, such as sunflower butter, instead. She said they are nutritionally and functionally similar and are offered as allergy substitutions in other food programs.

low-income communities, complicates allergic reactions.

Recently, other advocacy groups, including Food Allergy Research & Education, a national advocacy organization, also have started to turn their attention to a lack of access and support in poor and minority communities. When Lisa Gable, who is white, took over at the group known as FARE in 2018, she began to diversify the organization internally and to make it more inclusive.

“There wasn’t a big tent when I walked in the door,” said Gable. “What we have been focused on doing is trying to find partners and relationships that will allow us to diversify those engaged in the community, because it has not been a diverse community.”

The pandemic has made it hard for families to visit their loved ones in nursing and assisted living homes.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Holidays

Thanksgiving in the time of Covid

Healthy Kids

All 2020 holidays are different, including Thanksgiving. But if we remember the precautions that we have learned over the past several months, we can still have a safe and fun Thanksgiving.

Preparing the meal

While preparing your Thanksgiving meal, remember these tips.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Sanitize surfaces before using them.

• Serve your meal cafeteria style: one person serves all of the dishes – to avoid having mul-

Nutrition Challenge:

Take Your T ime!

What Fits?

It seems that all of us are usually in a hurry. But when it’s time to eat, sit down, relax and focus on eating. With each bite, set down your fork and chew your food completely before swallowing. This allows your stomach to “catch

Exercise Challenge:

Is biking your thing? Or do you like to play basketball? The best “exercise” you can do is through an activity you enjoy. Make a list of 10 activities that you like to do, that are active enough to be considered exercise. Some possibilities include kickball, baseball, football, dancing, biking,

PRESENT: Travel

tiple people touch the serving utensils. The family gathering

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

If you are going to someone else’s home (or they’re coming to yours), here a few guidelines to follow.

• Limit your gathering to only your household members.

• Try the new 2020 version of a gettogether – have a Zoom dinner with other relatives.

• Deliver safely-prepared meals to others who might be alone.

up” with your eating, and you’ll know when you’re full. Eating slowly allows you to know when you’ve had enough and you can stop eating before you become uncomfortable from overeating… and you’ll eat less!

Try this

Practice chewing each bite 30 times before swallowing.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

running, skating, jump rope, walking or playing Frisbee. Make it a goal to do one of these activities each day of the week (at least five days a week). Exercise can be fun!

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Many families travel Thanksgiving weekend. If you are still planning a trip this holiday, here are a few ways to stay safe and healthy.

• If flying is in your plans, follow the airline’s guidelines regarding Covid: keep social distancing, sanitize your seat, armrests, etc., wear your mask in the airport, avoid touching surfaces and wash your hands often. Whenever possible, maintain at least 6 feet between you and others at the airport and on the airplane.

• Only travel with your own family members if driving to your Thanksgiving gathering.

• Wear a mask, maintain social distancing and wash your hands when stopping at gas stations.

• Bring your own food along, to avoid stopping at restaurants during your drive.

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

In order for a computer to work, you will need to understand the basic parts of the computer: hardware, software, and input. Hardware includes the keyboard, mouse, speakers, and monitor. Inside the computer, is the central processing unit (CPU). The hardware receives commands from the software. Software includes programs installed on the computer. This may include word processing systems or games. You provide the input by typing a command or clicking an icon, which tells the computer what to do.

How Do Computers Work?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Does practice make perfect? In this experiment, you will observe the effect that practice has on computer keyboarding skills.

When you start the computer, the CPU tells the hardware to start certain programs. This is called “booting up.” Next, you will provide input when you choose what command you want to enter. If you want to surf the Internet, your input/demand is the process of typing in the web address, called the Uniform Resource Locator (URL). The browser software will interact with the modem to find the correct address and will display the information on your computer screen. Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to gain background information.

SCIENCE STARS

FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Clarence “Skip” Ellis

Clarence “Skip” Ellis was born in 1943 in Chicago. His mother was a single parent with five children. At age 15, Ellis went to work to help his family pay the bills. He worked the overnight shift protecting an insurance company’s computer. In 1958, computers were rare and very expensive. In his spare time at work, Ellis studied the computer manual very carefully and learned a lot. He was able to put his knowledge to use one day when the company ran out of punch cards for a project. Ellis changed the settings on the computer and his employers were able to reuse the old cards.

Materials Needed:

Computer • Sample Text to Type

• Notebook to Record Results

Procedure:

q Choose a sample text that you will type on the computer. This may be a paragraph found in your textbook, or a story in the newspaper.

w How long did it take you to type the text?

e Calculate your typing speed as words per minute.

r Next, practice your keyboarding skills by practicing 10-15 minutes per day.

t After five days of practice, repeat step 1.

y What was your rate after practice? ________

MATH CONNECTION

When you are working with computers, you will need to be familiar with storage terminology. All of the data that you store takes up “space.” Each computer hard drive has a limited amount of space that can be filled. Use the approximate conversions below to answer the following math questions.

u If you would practice 10-15 minutes each day, what do you predict your score would be in an additional week?

Resources: To learn more about how to calculate words per minute, visit: http://www.calculatorcat.com/typing_test/ http://www.typingtestnow.com

Analyze: How does practice affect performance?

Learning Standard: I can follow step-by-step directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results. Improve your Typing Speed

q If you have a file that takes up 2,016 bytes, how many kilobytes does it fill? ______

DID YOU KNOW?

Ellis’ high school teachers encouraged him to attend summer programs to learn more about math, science, and computers. In 1960, his church pastor helped him find a scholarship to Beloit College in Wisconsin. Ellis was discouraged to find he was the only African-American student on campus. Although it was difficult work and Ellis was lonely, he stuck it out and continued his education, even staying during winter and summer break to get caught up on his studies. During this time, Ellis was inspired by two events: he was allowed to help set up a computer that was donated to the college and he went to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. Ellis finally felt like he belonged. Ellis graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and physics in 1964. Next, he attended the University of Illinois, earning a graduate degree in computer science. In 1969, Ellis became the first African American to earn a doctorate degree in Computer Science. He has taught at Stanford University, the University of Texas, MIT, Stevens Institute of Technology, and in Taiwan. His research has been printed in numerous journals. Ellis helped develop the idea of clicking on icons to launch programs that became the basis for Apple’s and Microsoft’s operating systems.

GUI The first graphical user interface “GUI” was used on the Xerox Alto computer in the early 1970s. The technology behind this interface is called “bit mapping.” It turns every pixel you see on a computer screen into a picture. Without a “GUI,” you would see only coding—letters and numbers that would represent a picture, but not actually show you a picture.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about the contributions in science, technology, and math.

Computers are a valuable resource in today’s society. Many companies have begun marketing through computerbased methods, such as Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Look through the newspaper and find advertisements.

q How many advertisements include websites and Facebook links?

w Visit one of the websites found in the advertisement. What information is found on the website? Can you locate:

• the company’s physical address?

• the company’s telephone number?

• the hours of operation?

• information about products/services available?

• email addresses for employees who can assist you with questions?

e What information would you add that is not included? Why?

Learning Standards: I can evaluate a website and find important information.

Mr. Wonsley’s 4

Gibson Elementary School 4th grade

Biden’s first 100-day challenge: Transitioning to a more inclusive economy

Policy group calls for fair housing, Black business assistance and more

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

The 2020 presidential election triggered a record number of participating voters. Never before had so many people cast their preferences. And similarly, together substantiated how divided the nation is. For Black America, the financial ravages of the year have brought deeper and more devastating circumstances to bear. Disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have been denied the opportunity to comfort loved ones hospitalized, or even to collectively mourn the loss of family and friends. The continuing pandemic has also depleted the financial resources of those who lack sufficient resources to cover financial emergencies. When these same economically-disadvantaged consumers also suffer job losses, lay-offs and reduced working hours, mounting household debts are inevitable.

“We are in the midst of a pandemic caused by an abject failure of federal leadership that has left tens of millions unemployed, the economy in collapse, nearly half of the nation’s Black small businesses decimated, 40 million Americans at risk of foreclosure and eviction, and Black homeownership at levels not

seen since the 1960, when racial discrimination in housing was legal,” said Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League In the throes of these challenges, the president-elect has yet to receive cooperation toward a peaceful transition of power. He must instead draw upon the expertise and insights of those proficient in key areas of concern to construct a myriad of remedies needed now more than ever.

While pundits focus on the first 100 days of the next administration, people from all walks of life hope in earnest for an inclusive economic recovery, one that includes communities long-marginalized. And lest anyone purport that communities of color are overlysensitive, we need only remind naysayers of how the housing recovery from the Great Recession left behind the very people who were harmed the most: Black and Latino communities.

A straightforward first step is for President-Elect Biden to move swiftly to restore fair housing rules that were gutted by President Trump’s administration.

In 2015, President Obama’s administration issued the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing regulation, which provided long-overdue guidance for local governments and

A straightforward first step is for President-Elect Biden to move swiftly to restore fair housing rules that were gutted by President Trump’s administration.

others to implement a mandate of the same name in the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This key development in civil rights law’s Affirmatively Furthering mandate required active steps to end segregation, promote integration, and ensure all neighborhoods are well-resourced. It also assured that local residents would have access to housing opportunities.

Under President Trump the Department of Housing and Urban Development repealed the regulation and replaced it

Bryce Pettiford understands the importance of being a change agent in his community. That’s why he champions several racial equity initiatives and programs at Maryville University. Most recently, Pettiford helped lead the “Be the Change” rally on Maryville’s campus. The rally brought awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement as well as systemic oppression plaguing black communities.

Pettiford is also involved in clubs like the Black Male Initiative, the Association of Black Collegians and Inclusion at Maryville. As part of Maryville’s Multicultural Scholars Program, he serves as a peer tutor, educator and mentor.

Pettiford uses his bold voice and ideas to ensure inclusion on campus, and Maryville stands with him. Learn more at maryville.edu/bold

with a rule that was described as “weak and toothless” by Lisa Rice, president and CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance. Even the collection of data on mortgage discrimination has been cut. These rollbacks and others are described in a report entitled, Turning Back the Clock: How the Trump Administration Has Undermined 50 Years of Fair Housing Progress released by Ohio’s Sen. Sherrod Brown, the Ranking Member on the U.S. Banking Committee.

At the same time, we know that real progress must be pursued beyond familiar and often ineffective remedies. Preserving the status quo will never provide help that is desperately needed.

Toward this end, has proposed a 100-day agenda for the incoming Administration and the new Congress to address financial justice in all of its forms.

To expand fair, inclusive, and sustainable homeownership, the Center calls for sev-

eral actions including:

● Targeted reparations in a homeownership program that includes direct down payment grants for lowwealth, first-time Black and Brown homebuyers as well as others disadvantaged by exclusionary federal homeownership policies; and ● Eliminating reliance on creditscoring systems that entrench historic discrimination.

Recognizing that the broken higher education financing system also perpetuates the racial wealth gap, the center suggests a range of reforms to immediately relieve the crushing burden of student debt, including broad-based cancellation.

“Too often, predatory financial services and products prevent families and small businesses from accessing opportunities, and instead impede our ability to reduce poverty and close the racial wealth gap”, states a CRL policy brief that includes a combination of administrative and legislative actions.

As a people, let’s call upon a new administration to end our long-suffering wait.

If this recovery is to be different, the calls for action must be heeded. Now is the time to stand up and speak out not just for what we want, but for what we also deserve Charlene Crowell is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

BOLD CHAMPION

Living It

Best of Both Worlds: Kizz Q juggles music and radio career

Quincy Moore uses stage name, works two in professions he loves

By Danielle Brown of The St. Louis American

Quincy Moore, professionally known as Kizz Q, is living proof that it’s possible to have a successful radio career while simultaneously chasing dreams of becoming a recording artist.

The Streetz 105.1 promoter and media personality recently released the video for his latest single, the feel-good party anthem, “Pop Star,” produced by the Grammy award-winning producers The Trak Starz, and distributed by Sony the Orchard. The duo’s biggest claim to fame is their production on Chingy’s ‘Right Thurr’.

“Me being a transparent artist, I never want to say I can’t do something, so ‘Pop Star was an opportunity for me to show that I can not only be a hip-hop artist, but I can be a pop star too.” Moore said.

Following the success of his last single, ‘Grindin’, which had more than 30,000 streams in two weeks, Moore began to receive more attention.

The fast-rising buzz led him to reach out to his uncle, Marnez Robinson. Robinson, a local businessman, and a former member of the local ’90s R&B group Naturally Smooth, decided to become his manager.

production group, which then submitted the track to The Orchard.

“My unk called me while I was at work and was like, ‘Yo, Sony messing with us,’ and it went from there.” Moore said.

“I always thought radio and music definitely work handin-hand, so at any point I was like, if I get a shot to work at a station then I’m going for it.”

“Kizz Q is a dedicated, true artistic performer who really cares about being authentic and appreciates the team’s hard work.” Robinson said.

Pop Star’s distribution through The Orchard, a subsidiary of Sony Music, was approved after Robinson and Moore stepped out on faith, submitting the song to A. Swain and Lipe Beatz NWEnt Records, a California-based record label/

Streetz 105.1 promoter and media personality Kizz Q recently released the video for his latest single, the feel-good party anthem, “Pop Star,” produced by the Grammy award-winning producers The Trak Starz.

People often ask Moore how he masters pursuing music while juggling a radio career that has given him the opportunity to work for iHeartMedia, Entercom Communications, and Radio One before launching his career with Street 105.1.

“When they see somebody who’s doing it they ask, ‘how do you do that?’” Moore said.

“At times it can be very stressful if you don’t know how to properly present and promote yourself — two major keys to working in the radio industry.”

Radio is the route Moore chose after receiving his associate degree in recording engineering with producing/business management at Vatterott College.

“I’ve always thought radio and music worked hand-in-hand, so at any point I was like, if I get a

See Kizz Q, B2 ‘Unprecedented times call for unprecedented programming’

Muny U virtual learning program launched for high school theatre departments

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Virtual learning is challenging enough with general course studies. But what about the performing arts electives that motivate so many young people to stay engaged with their educational experience?

This time of year is typically marked by final rehearsals and addressing last-minute logistical details ahead of the big holiday concert, musical or play. Instead of a student-led production of “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol,” teens ordinarily immersed in preparing for performances are now staring at computer screens because of the coronavirus. Hearing the frustrations of classroom educators left Tali Allen, director of education for The Muny, with a pressing and urgent question. “How do you teach performing arts online?”

See Muny, B2

Couple aims to provide better life for domestic violence survivors

Husband, wife offer help through their non-profit organization

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

Bran-dee Jelks-Ross and her husband, Eddie Ross, are on a mission: By the time 2020 greets 2021, they plan to raise $20,000 for their Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation.

The foundation, which supports survivors of domestic abuse, set the goal to fund its Pathway to Brightness program, which provides domestic violence survivors with a stipend of $1,500 to help them make the transition to a new life.

Jelks-Ross has more than 20 years of experience in real estate. She received her bachelor of psychology degree, with a minor in business administration from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

She’s passionate about helping women with children have a safe and stable living condition.

Eddie Ross, earned his bachelor’s in business management and marketing from Alabama A&M University. He has more than 20 years of experience in business management and organizational development in corporate, non-profits, and other small businesses.

Advocating for domestic violence is something Ross holds near and dear to his heart.

Growing up with a family full of women, Ross saw firsthand the damage they suffered from domestic violence and has always made it his

both

Bran-dee Jelks-Ross and her husband, Eddie Ross are using their Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation to support survivors of domestic abuse.

— Quincy Moore

The idea of struggling to come up with content to keep students engaged with virtual arts on a daily basis was both a challenge and an opportunity for Allen. The answer laid the foundation for Muny U, a program that connects St. Louis area high school theater classes with industry-leading musical theater professionals from across the country through a virtual learning environment.

“Usually my programming starts from a place of what is good for the kids,” Allen said. “This time it was kind of reverse.”

Allen invited a Muny performer with Broadway experience to teach a master class for one of the teachers. She was able to provide an income opportunity for the artist, help teachers who might be struggling to come up with creative content and break up the monotony of the online learning experience for students.

The response was overwhelming. As the requests poured in, the seed for Muny U was planted.

Muny U is a part of the Muny’s Crawford Taylor Education Initiative. The website for Muny U launched last week. It features options from eight sections, nearly 30 instructors, including Broadway veterans and members of the Muny staff – including Allen.

More than 50 class options provide invaluable insight into

each step of the production process. Students can work alongside their teachers by jointly selecting guest artists and topics that cater to their specific classroom and theater education journey.

Allen said the website was created from a student-first perspective.

“It is really catering to the student,” Allen said of the site.

“The teacher can get with the class and they can all walk through the website together and look at the eight areas of putting on a show that we offer. Then they’ll choose the topic that pertains to them or what they are working on – or maybe what their weakest area is.”

Classes will begin in early December. Allen said the student buy-in for Muny U is everything.

“So many decisions have been taken out of their hands this year, I just wanted to give them something to be excited about,” said Allen. The idea of piercing untapped potential in students through the expansive programming – especially those who showcase the wide range of career options – excites Allen.

“More than anything, I want the kid who has been super intimidated to get on stage – maybe that is just not their thing and they think theater is just not for them because of that,” Allen said.

“After they talk with Kwofe [Coleman], the managing director who started out at the Muny as an usher, or they talk to the marketing department or they talk to the stage managers or the lighting

designers, students will see that there are so many other opportunities within this art form that go beyond just being on stage. That’s just one small component of it in this program – you are getting a 360-degree view of musical theatre.”

Allen came to the Muny in July 2019. She spent the second half of her first year at the helm of the Muny’s Education Department reimagining how the organization engages with school partners in the midst of a global pandemic.

“We are in unprecedented times and it calls for unprecedented programming,” Allen said. “It’s been a lot of adjusting and adapting on my part — but it has all been fun and definitely a learning experience. It’s been an upsidedown year for everyone, and we are all trying to figure it out as we go along.”

Allen says the sky’s the limit for Muny U.

“Because it’s online, we can do it anywhere. We can go to any high school classroom,” Allen said. “Obviously, St. Louis is our home, so the St. Louis region and Metro East is where we are starting. But we certainly don’t have to stop there.”

Muny U is open to any high school within a 50-mile radius of the Gateway Arch.

“I think the one good thing about this year is that we have all learned how to do everything online,” said Allen. “And while there are some drawbacks there are some great benefits to that.”

For more information about Muny U, visit https://muny.org/ munyu/

Kizz Q

Continued from B1

energy and same message to the knowledge that you have and apply it to your music,” Moore said.

With the current campaign of promoting “Pop Star,” Moore is now preparing to release his ‘Headlines’ EP next month featuring the smash single.

“I named the EP ‘Headlines,’ because I feel like at this point, I’ve elevated my artistry and my business — getting more in tune. “I felt like things were moving in a bigger and better way for me musically — especially linking with different producers, bigger producers and getting a team of people to help me get Sony on board. ‘Headlines’ was the perfect name.”

Moore’s music can be streamed on all music platforms.

Streetz 105.1 is an online hip-hop radio station founded by DJ Tab, who was the DJ in J-Kwon’s video for “Tipsy.” He’s since worked with various record labels including Universal/Motown and more. Listeners may stream the station via www.streetz105.1 or by downloading the Streetz 105.1 mobile app.

Continued from B1

Sharing love year-round

Since 2012, the Ross’ have donated an estimated $30,000 in gifts to women’s shelters throughout St. Louis, distributing “Love Packages,” a collection of personal hygiene products, positive affirmations, and a red rose.

Initially, the “Love” was shared on Valentine’s Day, but the couple have been able to do even more.

“We give out all-yearround,” Jelks-Ross said. “Last year between our Pathway to Brightness services for residency placement, along with our community services, we gave out about $300,000 worth of products in direct and indirect services.”

In addition to the focus on adults, the couple also operate the 2DEF Kids Program, which extends the organization’s mission to promoting physical, mental and emotional wellness, and academic achievement. The anchor is an anti-bullying component designed to help youngsters deal with anger. It also helps them navigate bullying by teaching them how to articulate feelings and, if necessary, self-defense techniques.

“We want them to manage whatever the conflict is,” JelksRoss said. “Conflict resolution doesn’t have to turn into a physical altercation, but at the same time, them being trained to defend themselves gives them the confidence to speak up and not allow themselves to be bullied.”

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 2DEF was able to start a tutoring program called Donate8. It uses students from local colleges and high schools, giving them the opportunity to

dedicate eight hours to tutor younger children in need of academic help.

“This whole virtual school thing is new for parents and their children,” Jelks-Ross said. “Everybody’s kind of struggling, so we’re there to assist the parent and the child.”

For 2021, 2Def plans to talk to youth about important topics: January, “Human Trafficking Prevention Month”;February, “Teen Dating Violence Awareness,” and “National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month,” because the propensity for domestic violence can begin earlier than many realize.

“If we can stop the cycle at a young age, then we can hopefully not be dealing with this,” later. Jelks-Ross said. “That’s our mission for 2021; to really hit the youth with that.” For more information about 2DEF, visit https://www.2def. org/.

3x8

Kizz Q

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

See Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel without leaving St. Louis

By Barry Draper, Director of Partnership Services, Explore St. Louis

The wonders of the Vatican are front and center at America’s Center Convention Complex. Open now, the international touring exhibit, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, is an immersive journey through the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy. It’s truly a sight to behold and will stay in St. Louis until January 10, 2021. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition transports visitors safely and responsibly to the Vatican, all while never leaving St. Louis. The exhibit covers nearly all of America’s Ballroom’s 27,625 square feet of space – allowing guests to marvel at one of the world’s greatest artistic achievements, Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes, up close and personal.

The exhibition takes its visitors back in time and up onto the scaffolding that was used during the restoration of the Sistine Chapel in the 1980s. The paintings in the Chapel had become covered in such a thick layer of dust and soot after almost 500 years that the brilliance of their original luminous colors had all but disappeared. It was not until the comprehensive restoration work carried out in the 1980s and 1990s that the true richness

of color in the wall and ceiling frescoes could once more be seen. The exhibition illustrates the restoration and allows guests to view the monumental paintings much closer than the usual 65 feet. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition brings an entirely new perspective to these works by Michelangelo, and acts as a work of art in its own right. With expertise and care, each restored ceiling fresco has been reproduced in its near original size using state-ofthe-art technology. Altogether, the exhibition features 34 displayed reproductions, including internationally recognized The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgement. Guests who visit America’s Center will be overcome by the details of the art, the closeness to the picture, and the modern style of the exhibition.

Recently internationally recognized as a GBAC STAR Facility for its commitment to ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy environment, America’s Center has health and safety protocols firmly in place, including but not limited to: temperature screenings for guests upon entry, mandatory use of face coverings, practicing of social distancing, and rigorous sanitization of all surfaces. Additionally, all visitors are required to move through the exhibit in pods, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful works of art at their

own pace.

Timed tickets on the hour are available to ensure capacity limits and social distancing. Hours of operation are Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m.

– 8 p.m. Interpretive signs are available; audio devices with narrative accompaniment (in English or Spanish) are sold at the Box Office for $3 to curate each guest’s experience.

Tickets to the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition are on sale now at https://www.ticketmaster. com/americas-center-tickets-st-louis/venue/49735

Pricing (additional service charge and order fees apply):

Adults: $17.50

Military/Seniors: $13.50

Children ages 6-18: $10.50

Children under 6: FREE

Family 4 pack: $40.00

Groups of 10 or more: $10.00/ticket

Directions and Parking:

To enter the exhibit at America’s Center, guests are to use the Washington Ave. entrance. $5 self-parking is available at the US Bank Plaza Garage immediately across the street from the Washington Ave. entrance.

For more information on Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at America’s Center, please visit https:// explorestlouis.com/sistine.

Art Museum Invites You to New Virtual Programs

Saint Louis Art Museum continues to develop new and exciting virtual programs to engage audiences of all ages. The Wee Wednesdays online program encourages children ages 3 to 5 years and their caregivers to explore, create, and grow as they discover new ways of interacting with art and each other. All video presentations begin with a Museum educator reading a book followed by a close look at works of art and then an art activity created from materials found in your home. Take this opportunity to explore works of art created many different artists including African American artists Allan Rohan Crite, Horace Pippin, and Kehinde Wiley. Visit slam. org, click the Learn tab and then the Families, Teens, and Youth tab to view videos anytime of the day. The Museum’s 30-minute Art Speaks virtual programs offer a new way for adults to learn more about the Museum’s collection. All Art

Speaks programs will take place via Zoom and are free, but preregistration is required. Attendees will be encouraged to ask questions via the chat box at the end of each program. The capacity for live programs is limited. Visit slam.org/events to register. Earlier this month I hope that you tuned in for learn about works in the collection that connect to the musical Hamilton presented by Victoria McCraven, the Romare Bearden Fellow. Join us on Thursday, December 3 at noon, as Melissa Venator, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow for Modern Art, discusses the topic. Venator will explore the German Expressionist movement’s intriguing artists, international roots, and enduring legacy through the lens of paintings currently on view in the Museum’s permanent collection galleries and the exhibition Storm of Progress: German Art after 1800 from the Saint Louis Art Museum The exhibition brings together

120 works in chronological and thematic sections that explore key ideas and events from German art and history spanning national unification, industrialization, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War and its aftermath. Storm of Progress will be on view through February 28, 2021. On December 17 at noon, join Judy Mann, curator of European art to 1800, as she speaks about a marble sculpture’s fascinating history depicting the mythical half-man, half-goat creature named Pan. In addition to being a compelling work of art, the Reclining Pan sculpture has led a long and interesting life shaped by influential people. The marble started as part of a second-century Roman monument. Rediscovered in the Renaissance, an unknown sculptor working at the time of Michelangelo fashioned Pan’s figure, which was later purchased by one of the most powerful popes of the Baroque age.

Open now, the international touring exhibit, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition, is an immersive journey through the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel in Rome, Italy.

The

Faith groups in St. Louis region continue virtual and social distanced services

By Marissanne LewisThompson St. Louis Public Radio

As coronavirus cases and deaths rise in the region, many faith groups will continue to offer virtual services.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, St. Louis County’s newest restrictions took effect, including a 25% occupancy limit on religious organizations. That’s down from 50%.

In Islam, like other faith groups, building community by getting together and praying is important, said Ghazala Hayat, the chairperson of the public affairs committee for the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis. The foundation operates two mosques, Masjid Bilal in the Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis, and Daar-ul-Islam in west St. Louis County.

“A lot of people who are a little bit elderly said, ‘I’ll come, I’ll be fine,’” Hayat said. “And you understood where they were coming from. But you also had to make sure that they understood that there’s no way they’ll know that they’ll be fine, because of the way this virus spreads. So they have understood. And unfortunately since then, some community members did get affected by COVID. We lost a few people because of COVID.”

Because of the reality of the virus and the spike in cases, the foundation implemented its own guidelines in accordance with the county’s. People are encouraged not to come to Jumuah, or Friday prayer, if

they aren’t obligated to, are older than 65 or are experiencing symptoms. Those who do come have their temperatures taken, and they must wear masks, social distance and bring their own prayer rug. And the imam is conducting Khutbah — or ser-

vices via live stream.

While the shift has been a challenge, Hayat said leaders in the community continue to push the message that adhering to safety precautions doesn’t compromise a person’s faith.

“We are commanded to take care of our health and listen

to experts,” Hayat said. “And also most important, this way we are also protecting other people. That’s the basic tenet of our faith, that you have to protect other people. You cannot hurt anybody because of our actions.”

The Archdiocese of St. Louis

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in the Hyde Park neighborhood of north St. Louis, holds marriage Bible study using the Zoom video chat service. The Rev. Gerard Bolling, in the upper right box, leads the discussion. With him is his wife, Lorenda Bolling.

Facebook photo used with permission from Bethlehem Lutheran Church

“We’ve obviously had some parishioners in congregations who’ve come down and tested positive and some clergy who’ve tested positive. But because of the way our restrictions have been set up, none of those turned into superspreader events.

“People are tired of virtual everything at this point,” Johnson said. “But the other part of it is that I think more people are recognizing that it allows us to be a lot more connected than we have been in the past.”

is following a similar plan. A statement from the archdiocese said Mass has reverted back to 25% capacity, while all other gatherings at Catholic churches in the city and county have been limited to 10. Parishioners experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are asked to stay home.

The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri also updated its guidelines in light of the county’s new restrictions. The diocese had already put a hold on large in-person church services, allowing only 10 people inside the church at a time to live stream the service, for in-person worship or for prayer.

Bishop Deon Johnson said shifting to virtual services and adhering to guidelines is paying off.

“We have had no significant congregations that have had outbreaks,” Johnson said.

Congregation Temple Israel, a synagogue in Creve Coeur, had closed off the building to the public early on in the pandemic. It had also put in place a task force, which meets on a regular basis, to reevaluate its own health guidelines, changes in the community and health guidelines put out by the county health department.

Senior Rabbi Amy Feder said while the latest guidelines won’t really change what’s already been established, the congregation will continue to follow all guidance in order to keep staff, children and the community at large safe. All worship services and classes are held on Zoom or live streamed. Feder said that while it has been an adjustment, many in her congregation are understanding.

The only time the synagogue has been open during the pandemic is for life cycle events including weddings, funerals and bar mitzvahs. Guests have been limited to 20 people.

Sports

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Giving thanks for the guy I’ve watched more sports with than anyone on Earth

For the first time since moving back to St. Louis in 1995, it won’t be over the river and through the woods to my mom’s house for Thanksgiving. Actually, it’s a short drive across Kirkwood.

We’re playing it COVID-19 safe this year. We’ll see where we are at Christmas. In the meantime, there is so much to be thankful for. Family, friends and faith are in abundance in the Reid’s lives

We are, have been and will be blessed. I want to share thanks also for a very important guy in my life. Riley, our yellow Labrador retriever. Riley was a first-round draft pick from the Kansas City area, selected by the Reid family on Nov. 24, 2007. He traveled across Missouri on that Saturday with the family of breeders that owned him. My wife, Carmen, is a friend of one of their daughters. About two weeks prior, she asked Carmen if our family would like a pure bred AKC Lab. Our daughters were 8 and 6 at the time, so this was, and is, a perfect family dog.

Before he joined the girls in their bedroom where his crate awaited, I picked him up and put him on the sofa next to me (covered in towels as he was not totally housebroken). We proceeded to watch a football game.

But this wasn’t just any football game. This was No. 2 Kansas vs. No. 4 Missouri in a night game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

The night before, No. 1 LSU lost in triple overtime to Arkansas.

The winner would now advance to the Big 12 Championship game in San Antonio a week later and face Oklahoma. The Sooners handed Mizzou its only loss earlier that season with a late comeback. Whoever won this game then beat Oklahoma, they would be No. 1 and play for the national championship.

KU fell behind early but battled back to make it a 6-point game late in the fourth quarter. KU got the ball back, but quarterback Todd Reesing was sacked for a safety and Missouri won 36-28. A photo of Reesing with a clump of grass stuck in his facemask still haunts me.

Let’s revisit high school biology for a few moments. In the genetics unit, we learned that sometimes the Xx’s and Yy’s can throw a chromosome curve ball.

The breeders raised chocolate Labs. Rarely, a litter of another color can be born from chocolate parents. Riley is one of those oddities. There is irony in a darker dog being expected. With no expectation to show or breed yellow Labs, a lighter dog ended up with a Black family.

We met Riley at the Boone Crossing parking lot in Chesterfield. Love at first sight - for a couple of folks who wanted to buy him or one of his siblings on the spot. We arrived a few minutes later and he officially became our dog. He whizzed on me the first time I picked him up. His way of saying he liked us too, I guess.

After a day of gleeful play with the girls, following his trip that morning, Riley settled down for his first night of sleep in his new home.

I was crushed! This proud Jayhawk, who had worked on the equipment staff for the football team when I attended KU, would have been inconsolable for a day or two. But there was Riley next to me. I just couldn’t be sad with this cute puppy next to me. This was the first of thousands of games we have shared. Once he was large enough, he got his first KU dog collar. He also sports Dallas Cowboys collars, as well.

The following Monday at the St. Louis American, COO Kevin Jones had masterminded one of the best practical jokes in joke history.

He had purchased a Missouri shirt for everyone on the staff. And they were wearing them when I walked in. He also had copies of newspaper stories and photos everywhere in the office. I couldn’t escape.

A week later, Riley and I got the last laugh. Oklahoma would hammer Missouri in the Big 12 Champion game 38-17 on

December 1. The Orange Bowl was now the prize that both KU and Mizzou wanted since neither would play in the BCS title game.

Lew Perkins, KU’s athletic director, had wired a certified check to the Orange Bowl Committee literally seconds after the Tigers’ loss. It covered the purchase of all seats allotted to KU and hotel rooms - should the Jayhawks have the honor of playing in the game.

Money talks. KU got the Orange Bowl. Mizzou was sent to the Cotton Bowl.

Riley took a car ride with me to Schnucks and while he waited in our Volvo station wagon with the girls, I bought 30 Sunkist oranges. I shared one with him.

Everyone, including Kevin, got one the next day.

KU won the Orange Bowl over Virginia Tech, by the way.

Three months later, Riley and I celebrated KU’s basketball national championship victory over Memphis in overtime. Throughout the tournament I joined fellow Jayhawk fans at

the now-closed SportsZone in Shrewsbury near the city border.

I didn’t watch with Riley, but I had recorded the game and we watched it in the early hours of the next day - and about 50 times over the next week.

We’re still waiting for the Cowboys to reach the Super Bowl. He’ll most likely have to wait until he’s 14 for that to happen - probably longer. It has been a great 13 years with my guy. And there will be so many more games to watch.

Thank you, Dr.

I want to thank Dr. Mark Lombardi, president of Maryville University and chair of the NCAA Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity (NCPCD), for reaching out to me to clarify something in my SportsEye published last week.

According to Lombardi, his committee “wholeheartedly endorsed the Russell Rule as a best practice and sent letters to every commissioner in the

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

NCAA advocating it.” I incorrectly wrote it took no action. He said the committee “will work tirelessly” to get the NCAA to adopt it.

In addition, the Great Lakes Valley Conference, of which Maryville is a member, voted unanimously to adopt it.

“Maryville, as an institution, has operated with the same hiring approach as the Russell Rule even before it was created,” said Lombardi.

In August, the West Coast Conference adopted the “Bill Russell Rule” which requires member schools to “include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and full-time assistant coach position.” Russell is a former San Francisco Don and his alma mater is now a WCC member.

A Vatican visit

The outgoing POTUS can’t stand the NBA and its players, but the Pope has high praise for its dedication to social justice.

Pope Francis met with NBA players at the Vatican on Monday, lauding them as “champions” and saying he supported their work on social justice.

NBA players Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver and Anthony Tolliver were members of a delegation that met with Pope Francis at The Vatican in Rome on Monday, where he called them “champions.”

“You’re champions,” the pope said.

“But also giving the example of teamwork, you’ve become a model, giving that good example of teamwork but always remaining humble ... and preserving your own humanity.”

“We’re here because, frankly, we’re inspired by the work that you do globally,” Roberts told the pope during the meeting. Brown told the Pope how he, Korver, and other members of Milwaukee Bucks decided to sit out a playoff game against Orlando in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

“It was raw and emotional for our team,” Brown told the pope. We are extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis,” Korver said. “His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.”

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist –Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1.

DeSmet vies for Class 6 states championship

When Robert Steeples took over as the head football coach at DeSmet, his alma mater was near the bottom of the St. Louis hierarchy on the gridiron. Things have certainly changed at DeSmet as Steeples has the Spartans looking for back-to-back state championships in the state of Missouri. After defeating Joplin for the Class 6 state championship last season, the Spartans are right back in the state championship game once again. DeSmet will take on Raymore-Peculiar on Saturday afternoon for the Class 6 state championship at Jefferson City High. Kick-off is schedule at 1 p.m. The Spartans are taking a 20-game winning streak into Saturday’s state title game.

This will also be a rematch of last year’s state semifinals, when DeSmet went on the road

to defeat Ray-Pec 37-0 en route to winning the state championship. The Spartans’ offense is fueled by its punishing ground attack that features its trio of Division I running backs, Rico Barfield, Taj Butts and Darez Snider. Quarterback Seth Marcione has also emerged as a solid dual-threat offensive player.

While the Spartans offense has been strong, it has been the defense that has been lights out during the postseason. In their last two games, the Spartans have given up just seven points, including last Friday’s 13-0 shutout of Fox in the state semifinals. Despite missing several key starters, the Spartans forced four turnovers and held the Warriors to just 179 yards of total offense. Senior defensive lineman

Mekhi Wingo is a dominant force and the anchor of the Spartans’ defensive front. Wingo, a Mizzou recruit and senior Donovan Whitfield were very stout up front as they combined for 16 tackles. Junior Kaleb Purdy had a big interception to halt a Fox drive while seniors Jordan Calvin and Denver Parker also had big games. Raymore-Peculiar punched its ticket to this weekend’s Show-Me Bowl with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over Liberty North in the state semifinals. The Panthers are led by senior quarterback Conrad Hawley, a 6’5” 220pound athlete who has thrown for well over 2,000 yards this season.

State Semifinals on Tap

Earl Austin Jr.

Here is this schedule for this weekend’s state football semifinal games involving teams from the St. Louis metro area. Including DeSmet, there are currently five area teams that are still alive in the state playoffs.

Class 5 Jackson at Fort Zumwalt North, Friday, 7 p.m. Platte County at Webb City, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 4 Union at MICDS, Saturday, 1 p.m. Helias at Smithville, Friday, 7 p.m.

Class 3 Blair Oaks at Cardinal Ritter, Saturday, 1 p.m. Maryville at Cassville, Saturday, 1 p.m.

Class 2 Jefferson at Lamar, Saturday, 3 p.m. Palmyra at St. Pius X, Saturday, 2 p.m.

State Quarterfinals

Individual Standouts

• Senior quarterback T.J. Atkins of Cardinal Ritter passed for 440 yards and seven touchdowns in the Lions 45-7 victory over Kennett in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

• Junior quarterback Reagan Andrew completed 12 of 18 passes for 238 yards and five touchdowns in the Rams 48-34 victory over Hannibal in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

• Senior linebacker Jayen Pace of MICDS had two interceptions in the Rams 48-34 victory over Hannibal in the Class 4 state quarterfinals.

• Senior quarterback Jack Newcomb of Fort Zumwalt North rushed for 206 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers’ 35-14 victory over Battle in the Class 5 state quarterfinals.

• Junior receiver Luther Burden of Cardinal Ritter had seven receptions for 241 yards and three touchdowns in the Lions’ 45-7 victory over Kennett in the Class 3 state quarterfinals.

Alvin A. Reid

Alvin Reid with his yellow Labrador retriever Riley.

PRESIDENT

St. Joseph’s Academy in Frontenac, Missouri, a private all-girl high school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet invites applicants for the position of President. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic, inspirational, and visionary leader who is a practicing Catholic, values education and is also committed to the mission and core values of the school.

For more information and to apply for this position, visit https:www.sjasearch.org Equal Opportunity Employer

Committed to Diversity and Inclusion. Deadline to be considered for the position is December 15th, 2020.

MUNICIPAL SERVICE FOREMAN I

The City of Clayton is hiring for a Municipal Service Foreman I— Public Works. Apply by 12/06/20: https://claytonmo. applicantpro.com/jobs/ EOE

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS

REINSURANCE ACCOUNTANT

Maintenance of Independent Senior Multifamily Housing Facility. Daytime/Weekdays

Preferred but not required experience working in HUD housing facility. Send resume to: cmcrvillage2@gmail.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

The ST. LOUIS AREA AGENCY ON AGING (SLAAA) is seeking bids for the FY 2022 Senior Program (Catering and All Aging Services) within the City of St. Louis. The Bid packet will be released at 9:00am on Monday, Nov 30, 2020. It may be downloaded from the SLAAA Website (www.SLAAA.org) or picked up at SLAAA, 1520 Market St., Rm 4065, St. Louis, 63103.

There will be optional pre-bid conferences at 1:30pm on Wed, Dec 16, 2020 (Caterers) and at 1:30pm on Thu, Dec 17, 2020 (All Services). These will be ZOOM sessions. The ZOOM link will be posted on the SLAAA website. Individuals may call 314-657-1669 for assistance.

The City of St. Louis reserves the right to accept or reject any and all responses, waive any technicalities, or to cancel this request in part, or in its entirety.

Inc.

and

Qualified subcontracting opportunities in

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF ALDERMEN REQUEST

FOR PROPOSAL

–PROP S YOUTH AT RISK PROGRAMS

The Public Safety Committee of the Board of Aldermen has approximately $950,000 available to award in calendar year 2021 for programs designed to prevent crimes perpetrated by youth in the City of St. Louis. The Committee is seeking proposals from qualified not-forprofit organizations to serve at-risk youth in the 11 to 24 year-old demographic. For the purposes of this RFP, crime prevention programs are defined as those programs that, either on an individual or group level, work to reduce the likelihood of youth involvement in criminal activity. An award range from $15,000 to $200,000 has been established for proposals submitted pursuant to this RFP. Please note the application will be online. Applicants may find the online submission page through the following link: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/youth-at-risk/

For questions please contact Brian Champion, Department of Public Safety, at ChampionB@stlouis-mo.gov

Proposals must be received by 4:00pm CST Monday, December 14, 2020.

To ensure that the daily tasks required to perform ceded and assumed reinsurance and program accounting are completed accurately and timely. Responsible for claims payment funds for Large Casualty claims and Large Primary Workers Compensation over the SIR and AGG limits. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

BIDS & NOTICES

(www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

are not limited to, the selective demolition and rehabilitation of the Louisa and Arsenal pump stations including bypass pumping, wastewater pump replacements, conditioning pumps, process piping/valves and equipment, sitework, structural, architectural, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and instrumentation and control as described in the Contract Documents and shown on the Drawings.

Tarlton is soliciting bids for Asbestos Abatement, Bypass Pumping, Demolition Work, Masonry Work, Steel, Manlifts, Instrumentation, Hoisting Equipment, Pumps, Fencing Work, Doors Frames & Hardware, Coatings, Joint Sealants Work, Plumbing Work, Mechanical Work, Electrical Work, and Basket Screens.

Tarlton will hold its virtual prebid via Teams on December 1, 2020 at 9 a.m.

Interested parties should contact Steve Cronin at SGCronin@tarltoncorp.com or 314.633.3300.

Meeting link and call-in information is show below: call in (audio only) +1 347-991-7932,,547602349# United States, New York City

Phone Conference ID: 547 602 349#

Subbids are due at 12 p.m. on December 9, 2020. These may be emailed to bids@tarltoncorp.com. Any questions, please contact Steve Cronin at 314.633.3315 or SGCronin@tarltoncorp.com

Link to

Responsible for underwriting and development of multi-line public entity new and renewal business as part of the Safety National Public Entity Practice. Territorial underwriting and development of business to align with geographic office location as much as possible, but may include National presence as management need arises. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

TO BIDDERS

Sealed Bids for the LaunchCode Techforce Center renovation project will be received by LaunchCode (the Owner) at the offices of Rise Community Development, 1627 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103, until 10:00 a.m. (prevailing central time) on Friday, January 15, 2021 and will be publicly opened and read aloud at 12:00 p.m. (prevailing central time) on Friday, January 15, 2021. All bidders are encouraged to attend the sealed bid opening via Zoom: www.risestl.org/lcsb

In-person attendees of the sealed bid opening will be limited to one attendee per bidder. Attendees will be required to wear masks.

The project consists of renovating the LaunchCode Techforce Center building located at 4811 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108. The building was constructed in the late 1980s, is one story in height, and approximately 14,700 square feet in size. The Scope of work includes but is not limited to the following items: complete interior renovation with addition of a 3,465 SF mezzanine, along with select exterior improvements and optional occupiable roof terrace.

A representative of LaunchCode will be at 4811 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, 63108 on December 11, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. for a pre-bid conference walk through and to answer any questions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the walk through will be limited to two representatives for each prospective bidder and masks will be required. Prospective bidders who attend the pre-bid meeting will be permitted to schedule additional walk throughs with subcontractors following the pre-bid meeting.

Plans and contract documents will be available for a minimum of 30 days commencing on November 26, 2020 for download from Cross Rhodes: https://www.sldcplanroom.com/ Hard copies may be purchased directly from Cross Rhodes.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Webster Groves is accepting sealed bids for the Webster Groves Fire House No. 2. Bids will be accepted at Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood, Webster Groves, MO 63119, until 2:00 p.m. on December 22, 2020 and then opened publicly. Bidders shall submit two copies of bid proposal in sealed envelope clearly marked on outside of envelope: BID – Webster Groves Fire House No. 2.

Bid documents can be obtained at:

Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies

1712 Macklind Ave.

St. Louis MO 63110

Phone: 314-678-0087

Access digital files. Plan holder list, and addendums at: https://www.x-rhodesplanroom.com

Not less than the prevailing hourly rate of wages shall be paid to all workmen performing under this contract in this area according to the rates determined by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations of the State of Missouri.

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any irregularities in the best interest of the Owner.

All questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents are to be submitted by email to the following person and should include in the subject line “Webster Groves Fire House No. 2 – Bid Question(s)”. The questions shall include the specific area of work (such as “Sewer Work”), the drawing page number and/or the specification section. This will help in the distribution of the questions to the appropriate designer.

Send Questions to:

Matt Nigh

Navigate Building Solutions

Email: matt@navigatebuildingsolutions.com.

Questions/clarifications requested by the bidders must be received by Navigate Building Solutions by email not less than 5 days prior to receipt of bids. The reply will be in the form of an addendum.

Pre-bid will occur at site on December 8, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions the pre-bid meeting for this project we be held in three (3) smaller groups limited to a maximum of ten (10) participants per time slot. This pre-bid meeting is not mandatory for submission of a proposal on this project but, highly recommended. To reserve a space in one of the following timeslots contact Matt Nigh with Navigate Building Solutions.

Matt Nigh

Navigate Building Solutions

Email: matt@navigatebuildingsolutions.com.

Pre-Bid Meeting Dates / Times:(Contact Matt Nigh) to reserve your space and for location of this meeting)

Group “A”: December 8 - 11:00 am

Group “B”: December 8 - Noon

Group “C”: December 8 - 1:00 pm

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Emergency Financial Assistance –Prescription Eyeglasses. . Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2020, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. Contact Tanya Madden for questions: maddent@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 2021, by 4:00 P.M. at 1520 Market Street – Lobby, St. Louis, MO 63103. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

St. Louis County Department of Human Services HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENT FY20 EMERGENCY SOLUTION GRANT CV-1 FUNDING

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking separate proposals for an agency providing Medical Case Management Services.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 19, 2020, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. Contact Tanya Madden for questions: maddent@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1532 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 2021, by 4:00 P.M. at 1520 Market Street – Lobby, St. Louis, MO 63103. The Department of Health reserves the right to

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services, Homeless Services Program, is seeking proposals for the Housing Urban Development FY20 Emergency Solution Grant CV-1 (Corona Virus) funding. The total funding available is $1,703.217.00

These special ESG-CV-1 funds are to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) among individuals and families who are homeless or receiving homeless assistance; and to support additional homeless assistance and homelessness prevention activities to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on December 7, 2020. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https://stlouiscountymo.gov/services/ request-for-bids-and-proposals/

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Webster Groves School District at the District Service Center Building, 3232 South Brentwood Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119, until WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020 BY 2 P.M. CDT for the Webster Groves High School Baseball Field Dugouts. Bids will be opened publicly at that time.

Drawings and specifications for this project will be available starting November 23rd at the office of the Architect, Hoener Associates, Inc., 6707 Plainview Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, (314) 781-9855, FAX (314) 781-0163 and will also be available on the Webster Groves School Districts website under the heading need to know – quick links: RFP/RFQ. Information as to bidding instructions and requirements for procuring bidding documents may be obtained from the Architect. Not less than the prevailing hourly wage rates, as determined by the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, shall be paid all workers employed on this project. The Board of Education reserves the right to waive technicalities, to select any contractor filing a proposal, and to reject any or all bids.

A PRE-BID meeting will be conducted 10:00 am on November 30th 2020 at the Webster Groves High School Baseball Parking lot which is located off Bradford Avenue between Selma Avenue and Big Bend Blvd.

By: Mr. Rob Steuber Construction Project Manager

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

LET’S KEEP IT UP LET’S ALL #MASKUP

As some of the most trusted hospitals in the nation, we know it’s tough that we all need to do our part and keep wearing masks. But here’s what we also know: The science has not changed. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19. So please join us as we all embrace this simple ask: Wear. Care. Share with #maskup. Together, wearing is caring. And together, we are saving lives.